Questioning the Accuracy and Fairness of Field Sobriety Tests

The field sobriety tests (FSTs), a staple tool in determining driver impairment in DUI arrests, have long been the source of debate within legal and medical circles. Critics argue that these tests, consisting of three primary tasks that assess a suspect’s physical coordination and ability to follow instructions, aren’t a clear-cut measure of impairment due to a range of influencing factors. These include the individual’s medical conditions and the administering officer’s subjective interpretation.

Decoding Field Sobriety Tests: A Not-So-Reliable Tool?

The trio of FSTs – Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand tests, aim to determine whether a suspect is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these tests may not be as foolproof as they seem. While their popularity among law enforcement officers is standard, the question of their actual reliability remains rooted in factors such as the officer’s interpretation, the suspect’s medical conditions, and external conditions under which the test is administered. Ensuring fair DUI defense demands that we address these field sobriety test inaccuracies.

Physical Illnesses Affecting FST Performance: A Major Concern

Neurological Conditions and Drug Implications

The HGN test is typically the first test an officer administers. It involves tracking a moving object such as a pen or a finger, and observing the eye’s jerking movements, which are often exaggerated by alcohol impairment. However, the presence of neurological conditions or the use of certain medications can mimic these symptoms, leading to false positives.

Mobility Impairments and Environmental Conditions

Notably, tasks requiring mobility and balance—like the Walk-and-Turn test—pose a significant challenge for individuals suffering from health conditions such as arthritis or leg injuries. Even the environmental and ground conditions where the test is conducted can influence the performance and consequently, the results.

Physical and Cognitive Consequences of Certain Medical Conditions

Lastly, the One-Leg Stand test challenges a person’s balance and ability to concentrate on a physical task and cognitive tasks simultaneously. Certain medical conditions, such as vertigo or muscle disorders, can interfere with the balance, leading to misinterpreted signs of intoxication.

Medical Conditions: A Potential Explanation for Failures

Medical conditions such as vertigo, arthritis, neurological disorders and diabetes can drastically affect one’s capacities in executing an FST successfully. Symptoms resulting from these conditions often closely mimic those of intoxication, therefore raising questions about the accuracy of the test results. Other impairments, like vision-related conditions, can further complicate the results, especially for tests like HGN that heavily rely on a person’s ability to focus on a moving object.

Challenging FST Results: Need for a Robust DUI Defense

Arizona law allows for DUI charges to be contested, particularly if certain elements, such as medical conditions, might have adversely influenced performance on an FST. It is essential to have a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney with a firm grasp of these medical and environmental complexities to mount a strong defense and avoid undeserved convictions. Skillful attorneys challenge the conditions in which the test was conducted, use medical documentation to verify health conditions, or focus on the inaccuracy of the FSTs, advocating they should not be the sole determinant for a DUI conviction.

With potential DUI convictions causing severe consequences, it is critical to scrutinize the validity of these FSTs thoroughly. As we delve deeper into understanding the complexities of the human condition and how these nuances affect everyday functionality, our approach to sobriety testing must also evolve to ensure fairness and justice for all.

Originally Post From https://arjashahlaw.com/blog/medical-conditions-field-sobriety-tests/

Navigating Medical Conditions that Impact Field Sobriety Tests