When Medical Conditions Mimic Intoxication
No one should face unjust DWI charges due to a medical condition. Many people assume that a DWI charge is irrefutable if law enforcement conducts breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests. In reality, medical conditions can sometimes mimic the effects of intoxication, leading to wrongful arrests.
If you believe your arrest was based on a misinterpretation of your health symptoms, contact a Houston DWI lawyer immediately to protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome. A strong legal defense can help challenge the charges against you.
Medical Conditions That Resemble Intoxication
Several health issues can cause symptoms that resemble drunkenness or drug impairment. Understanding how these conditions can affect test results and officer perceptions is crucial for mounting an effective defense.
- Diabetes and hypoglycemia. People with diabetes, particularly those experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), can exhibit symptoms such as slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty walking. These are signs that law enforcement may misinterpret as intoxication. Additionally, individuals in a diabetic crisis may have breath that smells fruity or similar to alcohol due to ketoacidosis.
- Acid reflux and GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux can cause alcohol from a previous drink to be expelled into the mouth, leading to false positives on breathalyzer tests. This can make it seem like a person has a much higher blood alcohol content (BAC) than they actually do.
- Neurological disorders. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injuries can lead to poor coordination, slurred speech, and unsteady movements, mimicking signs of intoxication. Even migraines can cause temporary confusion or dizziness, which might be misinterpreted by an officer.
- Fatigue and sleep disorders. Severe fatigue or sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, can cause delayed reaction times, impaired motor skills, and cognitive fog.
Field sobriety tests are often subjective and depend on the officer’s judgment. If a person has a medical condition that affects their balance, vision, or cognitive function, they may fail these tests even if they are completely sober.
The reality is that breathalyzer devices are not completely foolproof. Medical issues like GERD can impact results, and even certain diets, such as a ketogenic diet, can cause a person’s body to produce acetone, which may register as alcohol on a breath test.
How a Houston Criminal Lawyer Can Help
There are times when symptoms of a medical condition mirror those of being intoxicated. Following a charge, an experienced Houston DWI lawyer can gather medical evidence, consult experts, and challenge the validity of the field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. A strong defense can highlight alternative explanations for the alleged impairment and help reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
Being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. If you have a medical condition that may have caused law enforcement to mistake your symptoms for impairment, reach out and secure the legal support you need.
What medical condition are you living with? Share your history with the skilled lawyers at Ayson Law Firm following a Texas arrest. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
