Field Sobriety Tests and Medical Conditions: Health Factors That Can Change the Interpretation

Field sobriety tests are often treated as quick proof of impairment during an Ohio OVI stop, but they are not medical evaluations and they are not designed to account for every physical limitation. Balance, coordination, speech, and attention can all be affected by medical conditions, injuries, medications, fatigue, or stress. When that happens, roadside performance can look far worse in a police report than it does in context. Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. represents clients in Cleveland and across Cuyahoga County, including Strongsville, Westlake, and Avon, when OVI allegations rely heavily on field sobriety testing. Early guidance from a Cleveland criminal defense attorney helps ensure health factors are not ignored or misinterpreted.

Why Medical Issues Matter During Ohio OVI Stops

Field sobriety tests are divided attention tasks. Officers look for specific clues they associate with impairment, but many of those clues overlap with common medical or physical issues. That overlap is why these cases require careful review rather than assumptions.

A Cleveland criminal defense lawyer focuses on the full picture, including testing conditions, instructions given, body camera footage, and any objective medical information. The legal question is not whether someone performed perfectly. It is whether the state can rely on these tests as credible evidence of impairment beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Officers Are Looking For on Field Sobriety Tests

In most Ohio OVI investigations, officers rely on standardized field sobriety tests and document performance using specific clues, such as:

• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Trouble following instructions
• Using arms for stability
• Stepping off a line or missing heel to toe
• Putting a foot down early during balance testing
• Certain eye movement indicators

A criminal defense attorney in Cleveland compares what the report claims to what the video actually shows and whether instructions and testing conditions were consistent with training.

Medical and Physical Conditions That Can Mimic Impairment

Not every condition affects an OVI case, but certain health factors can significantly change how test performance should be interpreted.

Balance and mobility conditions

Many people have legitimate balance or mobility limitations that affect walking, turning, or standing still, including:

• Inner ear or vestibular disorders
• Vertigo or dizziness related conditions
• Neurological issues affecting coordination
• Chronic joint, back, or foot problems

Even temporary issues such as a recent sprain or muscle strain can affect roadside testing.

Diabetes and blood sugar events

Low blood sugar episodes can cause confusion, sweating, delayed responses, and unsteady movement. These symptoms may be mistaken for intoxication, especially if alcohol is assumed to be the only explanation. Timing and medical documentation often matter in these cases.

Injuries, recent surgery, or physical pain

Pain affects concentration and balance. Someone trying to follow instructions while dealing with pain may appear distracted or unsteady. A Cleveland criminal defense attorney may evaluate whether officers asked about injuries before testing.

Prescription medications and side effects

Some legally prescribed medications can cause drowsiness, slowed speech, balance problems, or delayed reaction time. The key issue is whether side effects plausibly overlap with what officers described and whether the state can prove impairment rather than assumption.

Fatigue, anxiety, and stress responses

Field sobriety tests require focus under pressure. Stress and fatigue can affect memory, coordination, and speech. These factors do not automatically defeat an OVI case, but they matter when normal stress responses are treated as proof of intoxication.

How Defense Attorneys Evaluate Health Factors Without Speculation

A Cleveland drunk driving defense lawyer cannot rely on vague explanations. Effective defenses are built on objective information and consistent timelines.

A criminal defense attorney in Cleveland may examine:

• Medical records or recent diagnoses, when relevant
• Prescription records and known side effects
• Injury history or physical therapy records
• Body camera footage showing instructions and interruptions
• Testing conditions such as surface, lighting, footwear, and traffic
• Whether officers asked about medical conditions before testing

The goal is not to make excuses. It is to determine whether the officer’s interpretation is the only reasonable explanation.

What Happens Next After Field Sobriety Tests in Ohio

Once tests are administered, most cases follow a familiar Ohio process.

Investigation and arrest decisions

Officers document observations and decide whether probable cause exists. If a crash or other allegation is involved, the investigation may expand.

Bail and bond conditions

Bond may include alcohol restrictions, driving limitations, or reporting requirements. Violations can create new legal issues quickly.

Arraignment and pretrial proceedings

Charges are formally filed and discovery begins. A Cuyahoga County criminal defense lawyer can request video and records early.

Evidence review, negotiations, and trial

The defense reviews reports, video, test documentation, and any chemical testing. Many cases resolve only after the evidence is tested. If needed, the state must prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

What To Do Now If Health Issues Affected Your Roadside Testing

If medical or physical factors played a role during an OVI stop:

• Do not give follow up statements without counsel
• Avoid discussing the stop on social media or in messages
• Write down what you remember while it is fresh
• Preserve relevant medical records and prescriptions
• Tell your attorney about injuries, conditions, or medications early

Early context can prevent the case from being defined solely by a checklist of alleged clues. Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. provides defense representation in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, including Westlake, Strongsville, and Avon, when roadside testing is disputed. Call or text 216-661-5050 for a free, confidential consultation.

When Medical Factors Change the Meaning of Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are not medical exams, and health conditions, injuries, medications, fatigue, and balance issues can significantly affect roadside performance. A Cleveland criminal defense attorney can review whether officers accounted for these factors, whether conclusions match the video, and whether the state’s interpretation holds up under scrutiny. Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. provides defense representation throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County for individuals facing OVI allegations built on roadside testing.

Text or Call: 216-661-5050 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: cindy@patfarrelllaw.com

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