Intoxication, whether voluntary or involuntary, can negatively affect your criminal liability.
Intoxication occurs when a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol to such an extent that they cannot think clearly or control their behavior. This condition can cause a variety of harmful effects, including impaired judgment, loss of control of their body and mind, and violent behavior.
The law on intoxication and criminal liability varies widely from state to state, so you should always consult an attorney with experience in the laws in your area of the country.
Voluntary Intoxication
Involuntary intoxication can be a defense to certain crimes that require specific intent. For example, the crime of assault requires a specific intent to hurt or harm another person. If a defendant is able to prove that they did not have the ability to form this intent because they were too intoxicated, the charges against them may be reduced or thrown out altogether.
It’s also possible for intoxication to have a negative impact on your criminal liability if you are convicted of a crime that requires an intent to commit an act, such as manslaughter. A drunken murderer could claim that his intoxication prevented him from forming the necessary intent to kill, and he would have murder charges lowered to manslaughter.
The Defense of Intoxication
Involuntary intoxication is often a valid defense to any charge that requires a specific intent. A defendant can claim involuntary intoxication if they were tricked into taking a substance that made them inebriated, or if they ingested an intoxicating drug without knowing that it was in their bloodstream. A defendant can also claim involuntary intoxication based on the presence of traces of drugs in their bloodstream, such as those used to create hallucinations or make people aggressive.
Defendants who are convicted of involuntary intoxication are typically found not guilty of the charged crime. However, they are still subject to the penalties of that crime.
Loss of Self Control
Intoxication can negatively affect your criminal liability if you are convicted for a crime that requires you to possess a weapon, such as a firearm. This is because intoxication can make you less able to resist arrest and hold on to your weapon.
This is true even if you are only using your gun for self-defense. Intoxication can make you less able to control your body and mind, so you might be accused of holding on to your weapon for the wrong reason.
It’s also possible for you to be charged with a crime if you are consuming a prescription medication while intoxicated, such as sedatives. This can be a serious issue because alcohol and sedatives can have dangerous and unintended consequences when taken together.
You can also use intoxication as a defense if you are convicted of a specific intent crime, such as assault or robbery. This is because it can reduce your culpability, or if the crime is a murder, the charges can be dropped a degree.
