DUI for Sleep Driving on Ambien?
If you were arrested for DUI in Los Angeles after taking a sleep medicine like Ambien, you might ask: “Can I be guilty if I didn’t mean to drive?” A man named Terry Mathson asked that same question—and the court had a lot to say about it.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Happened in People v. Mathson (210 Cal.App.4th 1297)
Terry Mathson was arrested after driving his car in a strange and dangerous way. He had taken Ambien, a sleep aid, and said he didn’t remember driving at all. He said that he was “sleep driving,” which means he was asleep while behind the wheel.
His DUI defense attorney argued that Matheson didn’t mean to drive and was not really awake. But the jury found him guilty of driving under the influence (DUI).
What the Court Decided
The court looked at the facts and said:
- Mathson had taken Ambien for many years.
- He had done strange things while on Ambien before—like making phone calls in his sleep.
- He had seen warnings that Ambien could cause sleep driving.
Because of this, the court said he should have known that taking Ambien might make him drive in his sleep. That means he was responsible for what happened.
Even though he may have been “unconscious” or asleep, the court still said he was guilty because he took the drug on purpose and knew the risks. But this also means if the drugs were taken accidentally or if the risk was not known, a person is not guilty of a DUI.
What This Means for DUI in Los Angeles
Here are the key things you should know:
–>You can get a DUI even if you didn’t mean to drive—as long as you were actually driving while under the influence of a drug like Ambien.
–>Voluntary intoxication (taking a drug on purpose) can be a legal defense for DUI. So if you were asleep or don’t remember what happened, call Los Angeles DUI Attorney to avoid a conviction.
–> Involuntary intoxication may be a defense—but only if:
- You took medicine as directed,
- You didn’t know it could make you do things like drive in your sleep
Why It Matters in Los Angeles DUI cases
DUI charges in Los Angeles from Ambien or other medications must be defended, even if the drug was legally prescribed. Courts don’t care if it was Ambien, Xanax, or another medicine. If you drove under the influence, you need the help of a DUI Defense Attorney to avoid:
- Jail time
- Heavy fines
- License suspension
- Probation or drug treatment
- Collateral consequences, such as immigration and professional license issues.
Call a Los Angeles DUI Attorney Today
If you were arrested for DUI in Los Angeles after taking a prescription drug like Ambien, call us today. We understand how confusing these cases can be. Our team knows how to fight DUI charges, especially when sleep driving or medication is involved.
Don’t wait. Your freedom and your future are on the line.
Call now for a free consultation with a Los Angeles DUI Defense lawyer.
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