According to a recent article, DUI arrests are on the rise for women. As a Massachusetts DUI lawyer, there are different ways to defend a case when a women is arrested for DUI. While field sobriety tests are unfair for all drivers, they can be particularly unfair for women. Police training on conducting the nine step walk and turn and one leg stand requires that an officer provide women with high heels of two inches or more the opportunity to take off their shoes. The choice is either to do the test barefoot on the uneven and rough pavement or in shoes that make balancing more difficult. When given to women under these circumstances, the tests are designed for failure. Officers generally do not give a motorist a second opportunity to take field tests at the station under fair conditions.
In addition to clothing and footwear that can make field coordination tests more challenging, breathalyzer testing has shown to have a discriminatory impact on women. Further, women may feel a greater sense of nervousness and anxiety when pulled over by a male police officer that could result in the officer interpreting signs of nervousness as signs of impairment. Often, a police report will state that a female motorist fumbled to get their license from their wallet. While often this is caused by nervousness and anxiety, police officers testify at trial that this is a sign of impairment.
Attorney DelSignore defends motorists charged with a Massachusetts DUI and will speak to you at anytime. Regardless of whether your court date is tomorrow or days away, Attorney DelSignore will discuss what happens in court on an DUI charge and explain your defenses at a free consultation. You can reach Attorney DelSignore at 508-455-4755; 781-686-5924 or by email.
