Does Ambien show up on a blood test? Ambien is a prescription sleep medication that may slow up on blood work. This means it may be detected by police officers if you are stopped for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) in California.
You may learn more about Ambien and DUID charges in Los Angeles with this article. Review the tests used to identify Ambien in a driver’s system and consider the results of a DUID conviction. You may also consider some defenses to California DUID charges.
Facts About the Effects of Ambien on Drivers
Ambien is a prescription medication that may be used to help individuals who experience insomnia. It may help people fall asleep. There are several other medications that are very similar to Ambien. These drugs include zaleplon and eszopiclone. These medications are very useful to some people. However, they may have some dangerous side effects for drivers. They may cause drivers to experience:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness behind the wheel
- Confusion
Some drivers even fall asleep behind the wheel after taking Ambien. This means that drivers may face DUID charges if they drive under the influence of Ambien. You may face these charges even if Ambien is a prescription medication you are legally allowed to take.
Information About DUID Charges in California
The court system in California generally uses Vehicle Code §23152(f) to prosecute DUID charges. As we mentioned, you may face these charges even if you did not take illicit chemical substances. Over the counter and prescription medications, like Ambien, could lead to VC §23152(f) charges.
You may end up facing a number of serious penalties if you’re convicted of a VC §23152(f) violation. Depending upon your situation, you may end up fined and sentenced to time in jail. You may end up on probation. The court may also suspend your driver’s license.
Fortunately, you don’t have to try to handle these situations on your own. You may get help building a defense right now by calling a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Call (310) 896-2724 to start working on your case with a legal team.
Ambien Shows Up on Blood Tests in California
Police officers may require you to do a breath or blood test after a DUID arrest in Los Angeles. Legally, you are required to submit to these tests following an arrest. Ambien may show up on both blood and breath tests. So, how long does it take before Ambien is no longer in your system? This medication shows up for:
- Up to 20 hours on a blood test
- Up to 48 hours on a urine test
The period of time Ambien shows up on a blood or urine test may increase if you take higher doses of the medication. However, the Ambien may not be effective and active on your system for the entire time it is detectable.
You may be able to safely operate a vehicle several hours after taking an Ambien to sleep. However, the Ambien may still show up in your blood or urine. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer could work to show that you were not under the influence, even if there was Ambien present in your bloodstream.
Build a Defense for an Ambien DUI in Los Angeles
You don’t have to take on DUID charges in Los Angeles on your own. You may get help by contacting a lawyer to start working on your defense. We understand that Ambien may stay in your system for a long time after you take a medication.
Allow us to focus on the results of your blood test if it showed that Ambien was in your system. We may work to show that you were able to safely drive in this situation. We’re also ready to take steps to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Let us stand up for you in and out of the courtroom. Get help from a legal team that has experience and knowledge with cases like yours. We’re ready to help you focus on all aspects of your legal claim and we’ll keep you up-to-date about the state of your case.
Find Out if Ambien Shows Up on a Blood Test with a Lawyer
Ambien shows up on blood tests after you take this medication. It may remain in your blood for up to two days, in some cases. You may reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer if you were accused of a DUID because Ambien showed up on your blood test. We’re ready to help build your defense in this situation. Just reach out to us for a free consultation.
You may call us at (310) 896-2724. You may also complete our online contact form.
