Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. As upsetting as this situation is, remember that a charge is not a conviction. You have the right to defend yourself, and one approach to this could be challenging the accuracy of sobriety tests.
Understanding how these tests work and where they might go wrong can be a game-changer in defending your case.
The trouble with breath tests
Police use breath tests to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). However, these machines are not perfect. Problems with breath tests include:
- Machines that haven’t been properly maintained or calibrated
- Officers who lack proper training in using the equipment
- Environmental factors like temperature
- Certain medical conditions or medications
These potential errors make it essential to scrutinize breath testing equipment and results closely.
Physical test failures
The standard field sobriety tests check your balance, attention and coordination. But many factors besides alcohol can affect how you perform.
People could fail these tests while completely sober because:
- They have natural balance problems or inner ear conditions
- Nervousness causes them to perform poorly
- Language barriers can make a person misunderstand instructions
- Medical issues like back pain, knee problems or obesity make tasks difficult
- Weather conditions like wind, rain, or uneven surfaces affect balance
None of these factors involve alcohol, but they can lead to failure on these tests.
Officer’s observations and biases
An officer’s observations during a sobriety test can heavily influence the outcome of your DUI charge.
- Officers might misinterpret signs of impairment due to poor training.
- Personal biases can cloud an officer’s judgment.
- Stressful situations can lead to rushed or inaccurate conclusions.
These human errors can significantly impact the validity of your charge.
Know your rights
Understanding how these tests can fail gives you power in your DUI case. Pennsylvania law allows you to challenge test results, and courts recognize that these tests aren’t perfect.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, remember that you have options. The evidence against you might not be as solid as it seems. With proper legal help, you can question the tests that led to your charges and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.
