Though slurred speech has widely been considered a sign of impairment, research shows the characterization of a person’s speech actually may be more subjective. A study looked at people’s ability of speech during different levels of alcohol intoxication. If you are arrested and charged, your DUI attorney in Michigan will assess the evidence in your case, including whether you had slurred speech, to determine how to construct the most effective defense.
A DUI Lawyer in Michigan on the Study
During the study, the participants were asked to speak during a learning phase, when they were sober and at four Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. Participants showed speech changes as alcohol increased, but the patterns couldn’t be considered universal because about 20 percent showed no negative changes.
Also, the impact of intoxicated speech was evaluated to determine whether listeners could detect which things were said while a person was under the influence. The participants were asked to make a number of controlled utterances at various simulated alcohol levels, including times when they were actually intoxicated. Those who listened rated the participants more drunk when sober but simulating drunkenness. In a second study, as a DUI lawyer in Michigan will tell you, 61 percent of the time listeners found that the participants sounded less drunk than they were.
Another Study Discussed by a DUI Lawyer in Michigan
In another study, however, audio recordings were made of men uttering sentences both while sober and intoxicated. The listeners were then asked to assess the two sentences and decide which was said while the person drunk. It was found that there were definite changes to speech between those sober and those under the influence.
As a DUI attorney in Michigan will explain, as reflected by such discrepancies in interpreting results, researchers don’t agree that slurred speech is evidence of intoxication, especially at low alcohol levels.
Contact a DUI Lawyer in Michigan for Assistance
Research shows slurred speech is not always an indication of intoxication. If you were arrested and charged with DUI and have questions, call a DUI attorney in Michigan at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates at 800-961-8477.