Police officers use sobriety tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These examinations, which evaluate an individual’s ability for mental or physical tasks, could, in certain circumstances, be used as proof in criminal cases.
There are many reasons sobriety tests may be faulty, and they can sometimes be accurate or trusted. Therefore, you should contact a tempe criminal defense lawyer whether or not you were driving in an intoxicated way.
Reasons why sobriety test can be invalid
Inaccurate outcomes of field sobriety tests may occur for several reasons.
- Faulty test procedures
Sobriety tests might not be reliable for several causes, including methodological deficiencies. Because they depend on the officer’s judgment and authority, specific sobriety tests are, by default, subjective. Officers may mistakenly record the outcomes of the tests or mistake the test results. Officers’ judgment and comprehension of the test results can sometimes be affected by preconceptions or previous beliefs they may have regarding a driver’s sobriety.
- Disabilities or medical conditions
Some medical issues or complications could affect the reliability of sobriety tests. For example, an illness may prevent an individual from maintaining accurate balance during a field sobriety test. Before conducting a sobriety test, officers should pay special attention to the driver’s abilities since limitations should be considered when interpreting the results, if the test happens at all.
- External factors
The precision of sobriety tests can also be affected by outside factors like the weather or many distractions. A field sobriety test, for example, can be impacted if it is performed on a surface that is uneven or slippery or if there are any distracting noises or lighting nearby. If the roadway is uneven, it is impossible to assume that someone driving could walk and turn or stand on one leg on the side of the road.
But sobriety tests are not always accurate or trustworthy to determine if a motorist is sufficiently impaired to drive a vehicle. Many factors might result in false test results, therefore, you need to have a skilled lawyer on your behalf who will guide you on how to deal with such problems as part of a comprehensive defense plan.
Your attorney might be able to help if you failed the FST afterward failed a breath test while being sober. They can assist you in gathering medical records related to a condition or any additional proof showing your sobriety throughout the FST. The sooner you contact your attorney for help with your case, the greater your chance of building an appealing defense.
