If you have been charged with a crime in California, you will be looking for the best defense possible. In fact, this isn’t just a sensible decision; it’s your right. Every person of this country is entitled to legal counsel and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Before counseling our clients, Simmons Wagner, LLP considers all defense possibilities. Continue reading to learn more about how involuntary drunkenness could be used as a defense. Then give us a call at (949) 439-5857 to for a free legal consultation.

Only in very narrow conditions can this defense be employed

Involuntary drunkenness can be used as an effective defense against criminal accusations, in short. Though there have been rare instances where it has worked in the past, this is only in the most extreme of conditions. That’s probably why you don’t see it much. When it’s relevant, though, it’s relevant. We are not hesitant to utilize the best defense for your case, regardless of how often or infrequently it has been used previously.

A few examples of this defense’s possible success

You only need to look at two cases involving the medicine Chantix, which is intended to assist smokers quit smoking, to find examples of this defense being effective. It was effectively utilized as a defense in two unconnected cases because it caused the affected person to act in a way they would not ordinarily act, in a way that they were highly intoxicated. The legal system did not hold them accountable for their acts because it happened through no fault of their own.

Involuntary intoxication is defined as a state of intoxication that occurs without the user’s consent

Involuntary intoxication occurs when a person takes a medication or is otherwise exposed to an intoxicant that causes them to act drunk or intoxicated. While it is true that being intoxicated is not a valid legal defense for a crime in general, this is not the case in certain situations because the person did not get intoxicated as a result of any deliberate act. As a result, it’s feasible that they won’t be held accountable for part or all of their acts.

This is an extremely rare occurrence. It is conceivable, though, when certain medications interact with one another or when a person begins to take a new prescription and it does not work well for them. You can be confident that when you call Simmons Wagner, LLP to learn more about your defense options, we will evaluate all of them.

We can assist you with your criminal charges in California

You may trust Simmons Wagner, LLP to help you with any charge. We can assist you with anything from domestic abuse to theft offenses, as well as DUI and forgery. If you have been accused of or charged with a crime, please contact us as soon as possible at (949) 439-5857. A free legal consultation is the first step in the procedure.