Having a medical condition that impacts your quality of life is already tough enough to live with — now imagine a situation in which that medical condition leads to you being wrongly accused of a DUI. Some medical conditions, or the medications that are used to treat them, could indeed lead to symptoms or side effects that may be mistaken for intoxication. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Massachusetts and you believe you have a medical defense, you need a qualified attorney on your side. Call the Law Office of Paul R. Moraski today to learn more. 

DUI and Preexisting Medical Conditions: What to Know

Some medical conditions can result in symptoms that could be mistaken for intoxication or impairment. These include certain heart conditions, sleep apnea, hypoglycemia, and diabetes, amongst others. Diabetics and those following an extremely low-carb diet could be in ketosis, which could cause ketones in the blood to produce a false positive on a breathalyzer. In addition to these diseases, injuries could lead to a failed field sobriety test. For example, if a person has an injured knee, they may fail the one-legged stand test. Similarly, if a medical condition impacts balance, a person could fail the walk-and-turn test. 

And that’s not all: it’s not just the diseases or conditions themselves that can lead to false negatives, but also certain medications. For example, certain sleep medications can be extremely impairing, and should not be used while driving. 

Building Your Defense

If you believe that you would not have been charged with a DUI but for a preexisting medical condition or your justified use of a prescription medication while driving, then you need an attorney on your side.  Your attorney will review the prosecution’s evidence against you and work hard to prove that your condition is legitimate. Types of evidence that can be submitted to support your case include testimony from your doctor, sworn medical affidavits, your own testimony, and testimony of others who are familiar with the injury. Third-party experts may also be called to testify. 

Working with a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney in Massachusetts

Being charged with a DUI is scary, and could be a life-changing event. In fact, even being charged can result in a license suspension, even without a conviction. Which is why if you’re facing DUI charges, you need a skilled Massachusetts DUI defense attorney on your side — especially if you have a complicated case that involves a medical defense.

At the Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, our skilled Massachusetts DUI defense attorney knows what you’re up against and is here to help. For a consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options, call us today at (978) 397-0011 or use our intake form on our website to request your consultation.