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Delaware Ambien DUI Defense Lawyers

Ambien is a very commonly prescribed sleeping medication that is prescribed for sleep disorders. When used as directed it can help those who struggle with getting a full night’s sleep. If Ambien is not taken as prescribed, is used in conjunction with other drugs and or alcohol, it can end horribly for you. Ambien can exert effects very 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 arrested for driving while under the influence of Ambiein Delaware you should speak with a skilled and experienced Ambien DUI Defense Lawyer.




Ambien and Sleep Driving

Ambien is a very powerful sedative-hypnotic medication used to induce sleep. Due to its hypnotic properties you may have no recollection of the events that follow after you ingest it. Some people take Ambien and attempt to stay awake to feel the short lived buzz that leads to 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 Delaware

Being convicted of a DUI in Delaware can disrupt your life now and in the future. This is true even if it is a first offense. Once convicted you will face:

  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • $230-$1,150 in fines
  • BAC below 0.15-12 months driver’s license revocation
  • BAC .15 to .19- 18 months driver’s license revocation, Ignition Interlock (IID) mandatory
  • BAC .20 or > – 24 months driver’s license revocation (IID mandatory)

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.

Defending an Ambien Based DWI in Delaware

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 Delaware DUI.

On the other hand, if it can be proved that other factors contributed to the DUI then the involuntary act defense may be negated. Examples of these acts can be:

  • Combining Ambien with other drugs
  • Combining Ambien with alcohol
  • Exceeding the recommended dosage
  • Taking the medication while driving home, hoping it will exert its effects before going to bed

Ambien DWI Assistance

Contact me, Delaware DWI Defense Attorney Brian J. Chapman to discuss your case. I have an office in Wilmington, Delaware and can be reached at 302-656-2528. You can also click here to email Ambien DUI Defense Attorney Brian J. Chapman. I possess many years experience defending those accused of DUI, illegal prescription drug possession and other drug crimes throughout all of Delaware.