If you’re facing DUI charges in Mississippi, it can be easy to feel hopeless and scared. You might believe the evidence against you is ironclad, especially when it comes to tests like breathalyzers or field sobriety exercises. But here’s a crucial thing to understand: Those tests aren’t perfect.
Challenging these tests can be crucial in defending against drunk driving charges.
The limitations of field sobriety tests
Field sobriety tests are often the first step when a police officer suspects someone of drunk driving. These tests can include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg and following an object with your eyes. While these tests seem straightforward, several factors can affect their accuracy:
- Environmental factors: Uneven surfaces or poor lighting can make it hard to perform these tasks, even if you’re sober.
- Poor communication: Miscommunication with the officer, language barriers, and other verbal obstacles can make it very difficult to interpret instructions properly and perform tests.
- Improper administration: Officers may not always give the test correctly, which can result in inaccurate outcomes.
- Subjective testing: Whether you pass or fail these tests depends on the opinions and observations of an individual officer. Factors like bias, fatigue and even mood can influence their conclusions, making them unreliable.
These factors show that field sobriety tests are not infallible and can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions.
Inaccuracies in testing devices
Police also use chemical tests, such as blood and urine tests, and breath tests to determine a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, these tests are not foolproof, either. While they seem more scientific, they can still make mistakes, including:
- Lab errors: Mistakes in processing samples can skew results.
- Improper test administration: If police officers or technicians do not administer the correctly, the results may be invalid.
- Contamination: External substances can affect test readings.
- Failed maintenance: Manufacturers, technicians and members of the police department all play a role in maintaining these devices. Failure on any of their parts can lead to inaccurate readings and results.
Facing DUI charges in Mississippi is serious, but don’t assume the tests are the be-all and end-all. You have the right to challenge the evidence and defend against the charges. Doing so successfully can protect your rights, record and future.