Factors That Affect Field Sobriety Tests

There are multiple factors that can affect the outcome of field sobriety tests and breath or blood tests in conjunction with your DWI arrest.

Experienced Texas DWI lawyer, Deandra M. Grant, is here to help you if you need to challenge field sobriety test results and fight your DWI charges. Attorney Grant offers a consultation to discuss your case and represents clients throughout all of Texas. She is a trained instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and has completed extensive training on the operation and maintenance of the Intoxilyzer 5000 (breath test machine) and on forensic blood alcohol testing. All of this knowledge and experience makes her attuned to the problems that may occur during testing and how to challenge test results in court in order to protect her clients’ rights and interests.

Field Sobriety Testing

Field sobriety testing can be easily affected by any of a number of factors, including:

• Traffic and road conditions
• Very cold or very hot weather
• Wind
• Dust in your eyes
• Age
• Weight
• Lack of sleep
• Natural lack of coordination
• Natural inability to duplicate instructions
• Physical injuries (to the legs, inner ear, etc.)
• Nervousness
• The type of shoes you are wearing

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions can affect the reliability of field sobriety tests and chemical tests to measure alcohol.

There are numerous conditions which can affect the accuracy of chemical testing and the appropriateness of field sobriety testing:

• Reflux disease / GERD
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Stomach surgeries
• Prior head injuries
• Use of an inhaler
• Unusual diets
• Dentures
• Vomiting
• Smoking
• Asthma or lung problems
• Inner ear problems

It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the particular testing methods and how they may be impacted by outside conditions. Our Texas DWI attorneys have what it takes to fight against the results of your field sobriety test.