One of the worst nightmares you can experience is getting arrested for driving under the influence. If a Maryland police officer stops your vehicle and makes you submit to certain tests, it might have devastating consequences. However, you can challenge the results of field sobriety tests.
You have a medical condition
One way to challenge field sobriety tests is to reveal that you have a medical condition that affects your ability to properly perform. For example, if you have a neurological disorder, it can legitimately impact the results of the one-leg stand test or the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. If you can get a letter from your doctor or have them testify on your behalf, it might lead to your DUI charge being thrown out.
The police officer made a mistake
Police officers are only human, which means they can make mistakes when administering field sobriety tests. If the officer who arrested you omitted any portion of the instructions before making you perform a test, it’s considered a violation of your rights. Some tests are also considered non-standard and inadmissible.
Balance issues
Some people naturally have balance issues that can cause them to fail some field sobriety tests. For instance, if you have ever had vertigo, you might struggle to maintain balance while standing on one leg or walking heel to toe in a straight line. Women wearing high heels may also have problems maintaining balance while performing these tests. As a result, this can be used when challenging the results of a field sobriety test.
Weather conditions
The weather can even impact field sobriety test results. If it’s snowy or icy outside, you can have trouble performing. Windy weather could also affect your ability to properly perform the tests.
Don’t just automatically accept the results of field sobriety tests. Your future and reputation are worth contesting them.