Ambien DUI

Ambien DUI Defense

Many adults have trouble sleeping and are prescribed the sleep medication Ambien for sleep disorders. When taken as directed it can serve as a very effective sleep aid for those who suffer from 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, sleep eat and, in some cases, sleep drive. Sleep driving is particularly bad as it can end in an Ambien induced DUI. If you have been charged with driving while under the influence of Ambiein in Maryland you should speak with a skilled and experienced Baltimore Ambien DUI Defense Lawyer immediately.




Ambien and Sleep Driving

With Ambien being a hypnotic 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’.

Penalties for Ambien DUI Conviction in Maryland

A Maryland DUI conviction can disrupt your life now and in the future. This is true even if it is a first offense. If convicted you will face:

  • Up to 12 months in jail
  • Up to $1,000.00 in fines
  • 45 day license suspension with
  • possible restricted driving privileges
  • 12 points assessed to your driving record
  • Mandatory SR-22 filing with MVA

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 related to the drugs such as drug possession and illegally obtained prescription medications. The penalties for these charges can be significantly more severe than the DUI charges and can involve fines, fees, community service and jail time.

Ambien DUI Defense Lawyer in Maryland

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 Maryland DUI.

By contrast, if it can be determined that other factors contributed to the DUI then the involuntary act defense may be nullified. Examples of these acts can be:

  • Combining 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

Call a Baltimore Ambien DUI Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation

Please call Baltimore DWI Defense Attorney John Grason Turnbull to discuss your case. His Towson, Maryland DUI Defense Law Office can be reached at 410-321-8860. You can also click here to email Towson Maryland Ambien DUI Defense Attorney John Grason Turnbull. Mr. Turnbul has many years experience defending those accused of DUI, illegal prescription drug possession and other drug crimes in Baltimore County, Maryland. As your attorney Mr. Turnbull will do his best to protect your rights, your future and your reputation.