Your top priority is defending yourself if the police accuse you of driving under the influence during a traffic stop. Many feel outraged when the cops pull them over and assume their medical condition is intoxication.
Before you get mad and say or do something you might regret, step into the police officer’s shoes for a moment. They know nothing about you and likely cannot differentiate between your condition’s effects and apparent drunkenness.
Police may mistake ataxia for intoxication
Ataxia is a term used to describe the effects of neurological conditions or brain damage. Those suffering from the disorder have trouble maintaining balance, coordination and muscle control.
In a field sobriety test, ataxia symptoms bear a strong resemblance to the effects of alcohol or drug consumption and can lead to a DUI arrest.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can make you look drunk
Hypoglycemia is essentially the opposite of diabetes as it involves dangerously low blood glucose levels. The two conditions are connected because the medications used to treat diabetes can cause a drop in glucose levels. Hypoglycemia symptoms that may cause police officers to suspect DUI include:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Paleness and sweating
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Low blood sugar can also cause clumsiness and poor coordination, potentially increasing the suspicion of driving under the influence.
These are just two of the many health conditions that can mimic drug or alcohol intoxication. Epilepsy, prior brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease can also look much like drunkenness.
Legal guidance serves your best interests whether you did or did not consume alcohol before your arrest. It ensures your understanding of the Mississippi traffic and alcohol laws that apply to your circumstances and helps you create a sound DUI defense.
