Criminal statutes confuse most people. The laws are different in every state, which can make it hard to do independent research. Additionally, the stories shared on social media or dramatized in popular media do not necessarily reflect the reality of the criminal justice system.
There are many ways for people to break the law without intending to do so due to a lack of legal knowledge. There are also certain factors that can either aggravate criminal charges or limit an individual’s culpability for an incident. Sometimes, unusual circumstances can influence an individual’s behavior and result in them doing something they usually would not.
Some people end up facing criminal charges for decisions that they made while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They may then question whether their impaired state has any bearing on their criminal culpability. Can intoxication play a role in a criminal defense strategy?
The law addresses intoxication defenses
State statutes outline a number of scenarios that can aggravate pending criminal charges. The state also acknowledges mitigating factors that can reduce criminal responsibility. There are even certain types of affirmative defenses acknowledged by the state that can help people avoid criminal convictions despite evidence showing that they broke the law.
If someone accused of assault can convince the courts that they feared for their safety, they could avoid a conviction thanks to rules allowing self-defense. In limited circumstances, chemical intoxication could theoretically influence defense strategy.
However, claiming a lack of culpability based on intoxication is only an option in cases involving involuntary intoxication. If someone was coerced into drinking or if another person drugged a drink without informing an individual, then their involuntary intoxication could provide the basis for a criminal defense strategy.
In situations where people knowingly consume alcohol or other mind-altering substances, then they typically cannot blame their behavior on their impaired state. Those who consume inebriating substances generally have to accept responsibility for any choices they make while intoxicated.
Those facing pending criminal charges often need help developing a defense strategy. Reviewing the circumstances that led up to an arrest with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate whether their chemical impairment might play a role in their defense strategy.