Location: New York State
Looking for some insight. Unfamiliar with rights and protections as a civilian.
A few weeks ago, I was driving home late at night on unfamiliar, very dark back roads. The intense headlight glare from oncoming traffic triggered a severe, sudden migraine. Recognizing that I was no longer safe to drive, I pulled over into a well lit area off the side of the road so my passenger and I could switch places.
The physical pain of the migraine caused me to vomit. While this was happening, a police officer walked up to my car. After I composed myself, I explained that I was having a severe migraine and that we had pulled over to switch drivers.
I was asked to step out of the car, blew a 0.00% on a breathalyzer and was put through field sobriety tests. I was then detained and taken to a holding station for a Drug Recognition Expert. I was read my Miranda rights, blew 0.00% a second time, and was subjected to hours of testing including light tests in a dark room that severely worsened my migraine and caused me to vomit multiple times.
Ultimately, they determined I was sober. I was released with no charges or tickets early that morning just before 4
I have now received a notice of sanction from the DMV stating my license is being suspended pending a physician's evaluation. The notice states the reason is a "motor vehicle crash where I lost consciousness" but none of that never occurred. There was no crash, no damage, no injuries, and I never lost consciousness.
I received a copy of the police report and there are many inaccuracies involving events that occurred and didn’t occur, the timeline of when things happened, things left out completely etc
I am curious about past experiences and options I have moving forward? Not having my license while I wait for a neuro review (more than 6 months) will be absolutely devastating to me financially. I have never had a migraine occur while driving and pulled over as soon as it became unsafe for me to drive to be responsible and then all this happened.
Do I have any options available to slow the suspension timeline?
Was this legal for the officer to do when I had a medical emergency happening and a safe, sober person to drive me home?
I appreciate any help and advice available! Thanks in advance!