People often say that their intoxication was responsible for their actions. It could be something simple, like getting into an argument with their significant other and apologizing the next morning. But it could also be much more serious, such as committing a criminal act and getting arrested.
A defendant may be correct in claiming that they would not have broken the law if they were not impaired. The alcohol clouded their judgment and they made poor decisions. They blame being drunk and say they never would’ve broken the law otherwise, so they shouldn’t have to face such strict ramifications. It’s not as if they made this intentional decision with a sound mind.
However, if that defendant voluntarily became intoxicated – they knowingly consumed alcohol or other substances – then they cannot use that intoxication as a defense. They are responsible for their own impairment and the actions that happened afterward.
What if they weren’t responsible?
Involuntary intoxication, on the other hand, can sometimes be used as a defense. The accused does need to show that the intoxication was relatively severe and impaired their judgment. Someone who unknowingly drank half a glass of wine and then committed a burglary probably can’t claim that the wine was responsible.
On the other hand, someone may have had their drink spiked, or illegal drugs may have been added to an alcoholic drink without their consent. They never planned to become intoxicated and do not feel they are responsible for their actions.
There are a variety of potential defense options when facing criminal charges, depending on the specifics of the case. When your future hangs in the balance, it’s critical to understand what options you have.