Ambien DUI Lawyers
Many people are prescribed the sleep medication Ambien, and or Lunesta, for sleep disorders. When used as directed it can help those who battle insomnia and other sleep disorders. If Ambien is not used as directed, is used in conjunction with other drugs and or alcohol, it can end disastrously for you. Ambien can induce something similar to a blackout. It is a sedative-hypnotic and can cause users to sleep walk and, in some cases, sleep drive which can end in an Ambien induced DUI. If you have been charged with driving while under the influence of Ambien in Pennsylvania you should speak with our skilled and experienced lawyers.
Ambien And Sleep Driving
With Ambien and Lunesta being hypnotics you may not recall the events that follow after you ingest it. Some people take Ambien and attempt to stay awake to feel the short lived buzz that precedes the blackout. Other people may take Ambien as directed, which involves taking it once you are in bed, and may wake up and unknowingly ‘sleep drive’. If you are facing DUI charges, contact our DUI lawyers right away. They possess a wealth of experience handling all types of driving under the influence charges in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Penalties For Ambien DUI Conviction In Pennsylvania
A DUI conviction can disrupt your life now and in the future. This is true even if it is a first offense and or a misdemeanor. Once convicted you will face fines, court costs, loss of driving privileges, possible community service and possible jail time.
If you were found with illegally obtained, black market or internet purchased Ambien in the car at the time of the DUI arrest you will face additional charges. These charges can be drug possession charges, forged prescription charges and illegally obtained prescription medication charges. The penalties for these charges can be significantly more severe than the DUI charges and can also involve fines, fees, community service, probation and jail time.
Ambien DUI Defense
The FDA maintains that due to Ambien’s effect any sleepwalking, sleep driving or any other acts due to ingesting Ambien may be considered involuntary acts. Involuntary acts due to a medication’s effects may serve as a defense in a Pennsylvania DUI.
On the flip side, if it can be proved that other factors contributed to the DUI then the involuntary act defense may be nullified. Examples of these acts can be:
Mixing Ambien with other drugs
Mixing Ambien with alcohol
Taking more than the recommended dosage
Taking the drug while driving home prior to going to bed
No matter what the details of your pending DUI case you need an experienced criminal attorney handling driving under the influence charges.
Call A Reading Pennsylvania DUI Defense Attorney
Do not hesitate to contact our team of DUI defense attorneys. We offer free consultations and have offices in Berks County and Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
