Intoxication Defense

The intoxication defense is a legal argument used in criminal cases, claiming that a person was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense, which affected their ability to understand their actions or control their behavior. There are two types: voluntary intoxication occurs when someone chooses to consume substances, while involuntary intoxication happens when a person is intoxicated without their knowledge or consent. This defense may mitigate charges or even lead to acquittal, particularly if the intoxication impacts mental state or intent required for a crime. It’s not always successful and varies by jurisdiction.