Can My Medical Condition Affect My Field Sobriety Test?

Try to imagine this – you’re pulled over on a Charleston or Columbia road after a long day, and the officer asks you to step out of the car for a field sobriety test. Your heart sinks because you know you have a medical condition that could make the test difficult, even though you haven’t been drinking. Could your condition affect the test results, and, more importantly, could it lead to unfair charges?

The short answer is yes: your medical condition can absolutely impact your ability to perform well on a field sobriety test.

What are field sobriety tests?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a set of physical and cognitive exercises police officers use to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests are designed to evaluate one’s coordination, balance, and focus – all abilities that intoxication can impair.

The three most common standardized FSTs include:

• Horizontal gaze nystagmus test. The officer will ask you to follow an object, like a pen or flashlight, with your eyes. They’re looking for involuntary jerking in your eye movements, which can indicate
• Walk-and-turn test. You’re asked to walk in a straight line, heel-to-toe, turn around, and walk back. The officer is evaluating your balance, ability to follow instructions, and steadiness.
• One-legged stand test. You’re instructed to stand on one leg while counting out loud. The officer will check for wobbling, hopping, or putting your foot down.

These tests aren’t foolproof. Many factors, including medical conditions, can affect how well you perform.

How medical conditions can interfere with field sobriety tests

Here’s a closer look at how each type of test might be affected:

• Horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Certain medical conditions can cause involuntary eye movements, called nystagmus, even if you haven’t consumed alcohol. Conditions like inner ear disorders, neurological disorders, or eye muscle disorders can all mimic the symptoms officers are trained to associate with intoxication. This can lead to false conclusions.
• Walk-and-turn test. This test relies heavily on balance and coordination, which medical issues can compromise. These include inner ear problems, back, hip, knee injuries, or neuropathy.
• One-legged stand test. Standing on one leg for an extended period is difficult for many people, even under normal circumstances. Medical conditions that can affect this test include arthritis, obesity, and neurological conditions.

Medical conditions aren’t the only things that can interfere with FST results. Other factors can include:

• Fatigue
• Nervousness
• Weather and road conditions
• Clothing and footwear

These factors can contribute to a failed test, even if you’re completely sober.

Will the officer account for my medical condition?

Yes, in theory. If you tell the officer about your medical condition, they should consider it when evaluating your performance. However, in practice, this doesn’t always happen.

Officers are trained to rely on their observations and the results of FSTs, and they may not fully understand how a specific condition could affect their abilities. This means that even if you explain your limitations, they might still interpret your performance as evidence of intoxication.

What should I do during a field sobriety test if I have a medical condition?

If you have a medical condition that could affect a field sobriety test, here are some steps to protect yourself.

Carry documentation. Keep a note from your doctor or medical records explaining your condition in your car. Politely explain your condition to the officer and how it might affect your performance on the tests. Anxiety can worsen the situation, so try to stay composed. Finally, you can request a breath or blood test. Chemical tests are more objective and can provide a clearer picture of whether you’re impaired.

How a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer can help

If you’re charged with DUI after failing a field sobriety test, your local criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough can make a big difference in your case. Here’s how we can help:

• We can gather evidence of your medical condition and demonstrate how it may have affected your test performance.
• We question the officer’s interpretation of your behavior and identify
• We highlight environmental factors that might have contributed to the results—were the tests conducted on uneven ground? Was it dark or rainy?
• If the officer didn’t follow proper procedures or violated your rights during the traffic stop, we can argue that the test results should be excluded from the evidence.

If you’ve been charged with DUI in Charleston or Columbia and believe your medical condition affected your field sobriety test, don’t leave your future to chance. The experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough understands how to challenge unfair evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact or call us to schedule a consultation today. Proudly serving all of South Carolina.