Most people accused of violent offenses want to exonerate themselves. Some defendants can prove that another person actually committed the crime. Others can raise questions about the state’s evidence. Occasionally, an affirmative defense strategy is possible. The defense team acknowledges that an individual engaged in certain behavior but may claim that mitigating factors limit the defendant’s criminal culpability.
Violent crimes sometimes occur while people are under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances. Most of the time, voluntary intoxication is not an affirmative defense option. People cannot blame their conduct on their impairment if they chose to consume mind-altering substances. There are certain exceptions that may apply in cases involving intent-based violent crimes.
Impairment can affect criminal intent
Many crimes are illegal regardless of why someone broke the law. It doesn’t matter if their intent was to commit a crime if a violation occurs. A motorist does not have to recognize that they are under the influence to face drunk driving charges, for example.
Other times, an individual’s mental state is a key component of the charges that they face. For example, a first-degree murder charge generally requires proof of premeditation and an intent to end the life of another person.
Voluntary intoxication claims can serve to mitigate claims of criminal intent in some situations. The details leading to the charges, the prior record of the defendant and a host of other unique factors influence whether or not a claim of voluntary intoxication could play a role in a criminal defense strategy.
Reviewing what happened prior to an arrest with a skilled legal team can be beneficial for those hoping to fight violent criminal charges. Factors, including the ability to understand the situation, could influence the best defense strategy for those intent on avoiding a conviction.