Is it illegal to drive on benzodiazepines in California? These medications may end up impairing your ability to safely operate a vehicle. This means that you may face charges for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) if you take them and get behind the wheel.
Use this article to learn more about DUID charges in Los Angeles. Consider the effects of taking a benzodiazepine before driving. Focus on the outcomes of a DUID conviction and consider legal options for handling DUID charges.
Effects of Benzodiazepines on Drivers in Los Angeles
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications. They help individuals who deal with anxiety relax. However, they may have a number of side-effects. Some of these side-effects may impact drivers negatively. For example, taking benzodiazepines may cause:
- Confusion
- Impaired thinking
- Memory loss
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurred or double visions
- Issues with coordination
Any of these side-effects could result in dangerous driving behavior. For this reason, drivers who take a benzodiazepine before they drive could end up facing DUID charges. There are many common medications that contain benzodiazepines. This includes:
- Valium
- Xanax
- Serepax
- Magadan
These are only examples of medications containing benzodiazepine. It’s a good idea to consider the contents and possible side-effects of any medication before you drive.
Arrests for DUID Charges in Los Angeles
You may face criminal charges if you operate a vehicle after taking a benzodiazepine. However, these charges may not always result in a conviction. You may get stopped by a police officer if they believe you were driving in an unsafe manner.
Police officers may ask you to complete field sobriety tests after you are stopped. They may also have you perform breath tests. Benzodiazepines will not show up on a breath test. However, they may require you to perform a blood or urine test if you are arrested.
Benzodiazepines may show up on these tests. However, these medications may remain in your blood for a significant amount of time after you take them. This means that you may not be impaired by the medication, even if it’s still in your system.
Find out more about the results of a blood test for a benzodiazepine by contacting a Los Angeles DUI lawyer right now. Start discussing the specific facts of your case by calling us at (310) 896-2724. We’re ready to help you out right now.
Results of a DUID Conviction for Benzodiazepine Use
The court system in California handles DUID charges very seriously. You may face a number of penalties if you are convicted of driving under the influence of a chemical substance. DUID charges apply if you drive after taking illicit drugs or prescription medications, like benzodiazepines.
A conviction for driving under the influence of benzodiazepines may result in:
- Fines of thousands of dollars
- Jail time and probation
- The suspension of your driver’s license
Your conviction also remains on your record after a DUID in Los Angeles. This charge will be considered priorable. This means the court will count it against you if you are arrested for a subsequent DUI or DUID in California. The penalties you face increase each time you’re convicted of a DUID in Los Angeles.
Build Your Defense for Benzodiazepine DUID Charges
You don’t have to just accept a DUID conviction here in California. You may start working with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer right away. We know the strategies that work if you are accused of driving after taking a benzodiazepine. Allow us to work to show that:
- You were stopped by the police without due cause
- You were not actually impaired while driving
We are ready to take steps to block evidence against you. This could weaken the prosecution’s case here in Los Angeles. We may even make a motion to get your charges dismissed in some situations. We’re also here to get your charges reduced. Allow us to take steps to bring you a plea bargain after your arrest.
Finally, our team may help you if your case goes to court. Allow us to defend you in front of a judge and jury right now. We’re standing by to help you handle all of your needs.
Find Out if It’s Illegal to Drive on Benzodiazepines
It is illegal to drive after taking benzodiazepines in some situations. You may face charges if the police claim you were driving dangerously. Fortunately, you may defend yourself from these charges with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. Find out more by contacting us right now for a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work for you.
Contact us by calling (310) 896-2724 or completing our online contact form.
