Georgia DUI Diabetes
In a Georgia driving under the influence case, an officer may make a drunk-driving arrest if the driver exhibits signs such as fatigue, slurred speech, staggering, disorientation, impaired motor control, and poor balance. While these could be signs of intoxication, they are also signs of a condition that many drivers across the nation may have: diabetes. A driver who shows these signs will seem like a drunk driver to the arresting officer and will probably fail any field sobriety tests administered, leading to a DUI arrest.In addition to producing these symptoms, Georgia DUI and diabetes can also make an individual fail the breathalyzer test. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for Georgia drivers over the age of 21 is .08%. These test results are not always accurate, and, without a skilled lawyer who can prove that a condition other than intoxication affected the results, you could be convicted of a crime you did not commit!
Rather than truly measuring alcohol, breathalyzer machines utilize infrared light that absorbs alcohol compounds, such as ethyl alcohol, in your breath. The more light is absorbed, the higher your BAC results. The machine was not designed to analyze the particular type of alcohol in your breath, meaning that acetone can register as alcohol. Diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs when the body is unable to use glucose as a fuel source due to lack of insulin, may produce acetone, leading to inaccurate test results.
If you have been arrested for drunk drunk driving and you have diabetes, you should immediately contact an attorney experienced in DUI defense. Your lawyer can work with a medical expert to prove that your breath test results, as well as your appearance and behavior during your traffic stop, were caused by your medical condition. Once your lawyer explains to the court that diabetes contributed to your (unwarranted) DUI arrest, your charges may be dismissed or you may win your case.
For a free case evaluation regarding Georgia DUI and diabetes, please complete our online contact form today.
