Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
The Impact of Officer Fatigue on DUI Investigations
Law enforcement officers are responsible for upholding the law, including making DUI arrests based on observed impairment. However, many officers work long, demanding shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, leading to fatigue and impaired judgment. When an officer is exhausted, their ability to make accurate assessments, recall details, and properly administer field sobriety tests may be compromised.
Fatigue can affect a DUI case in several ways, including inconsistent observations, procedural errors, and unreliable testimony. These issues can raise doubts about the validity of the arrest and provide opportunities for defense attorneys to challenge the credibility of the case in court.
