If you have been stopped by officers in South Carolina and eventually questioned for potentially being intoxicated while driving, you will know just how scary this experience can be. During the investigation, you might have been asked to perform certain tests that involved you standing on one leg or walking in a specific pattern per the officer’s instructions. According to FieldSobrietyTests.org, the results of these tests can be used to support arresting you and charging you with a drunk driving offense.
It is important for you to know that these tests are not completely accurate. In fact, many health conditions can interfere with your ability to successfully pass them. The eye test measures an involuntary jerking motion of your eyeball that is said to be exaggerated after a person has consumed alcohol. Some neurological conditions may also produce this result.
If you are overweight, you may be unable to balance as requested during the one-leg stand test. This test and the walk-and-turn test may be challenging for you if you have had any previous injuries or surgeries on your back, hips or knees. Problems with the muscles in your legs or feet could also contribute to what may be your failure of one or more of these tests.
If you would like to learn more about how to protect your rights after being arrested for suspected drunk driving, please feel free to visit the field sobriety test and your health page of our South Carolina criminal and drunk driving defense website.
