Peoria Arizona Field Sobriety Tests

Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine was just recently charged with DUI in Peoria, Arizona. He failed the walk and turn test and the one leg stand which I believe can be explained by his balance control problems because he has labyrinthitis. Could he use this balance disorder as a DUI defense?

Taryn

Peoria, AZ

Labyrinthitis is a balance disorder which is an inflammatory process affecting the labyrinths that house the vestibular system of the inner ear. This health problem is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, a reaction to a particular medicine, an allergy, or head injury. This may change the balance system and could result in a balance problem. Labyrinthitis can also cause dizziness which is probably why your friend failed the two of the standardized field sobriety tests which are walk and turn test and the one leg stand.

The results of the field sobriety tests (FST’s) such as the walk and turn test and the one leg stand are said to be determinant factors as to whether or not a person is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But lot of people suffer from balance control problems. People who have a balance disorder can experience a sensation of dizziness, visual blurring, light headedness and disorientation. Your friend may actually sober when he performed these FST’s but failed because of his balance disorder. Because of that, his balance disorder can be used a defense on is DUI charge in Peoria, Arizona.

Tags: DUI lawyer, DWI advice