Most people in South Carolina have likely heard or read headlines and stories about the problem of obesity facing our nation. In addition to concerns about people’s health if they are overweight, there may also be concerns when it comes to criminal charges involving drunk driving. If you are carrying some extra pounds and are one of the many drivers who grabs a beer after work or enjoys a glass of wine when out to dinner and then drives home, you should learn about this.
As explained by FieldSobrietyTests.org, a drunk driving arrest investigation generally includes an officer administering tests at the location where you have been stopped. These tests are not meant or are not even able to prove that you are intoxicated but are instead meant to arm the officer with sufficient levels of evidence to support them placing you under arrest. Your body weight alone may be the reason you are unable to pass these tests, leading you to be arrested incorrectly.
One of the tests involves the ability to balance on one leg without any other attempt to keep balance such as moving your arms. People who are carrying at least 50 pounds of extra weight may logically not be able to do this. Even balancing properly to execute a walk-and-turn test may be difficult for you if you are obese.
If you would like to learn more about how to get help if you or someone you know has been accused of a drunk driving offense, please feel free to visit the drunk driving charges page of our South Carolina website.
