How Alcohol and Parties Lead to Unexpected Charges

Alcohol-fueled social gatherings can lead to more than just hangovers. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment and can make some people more prone to anger or aggressive behavior.

A fun night out can quickly take a turn if someone makes a reckless decision, gets into an altercation or is accused of something they don’t even remember. In these types of scenarios, your choice of attorney could have a profound impact on the outcome of your case.

Domestic Violence

In Arizona, domestic violence is not a standalone offense, but a designation applied to various crimes when a specific relationship exists between the involved parties. Under ARS 13-3601, offenses such as assault, harassment and disorderly conduct can be classified as domestic violence if they occur between family members, cohabitants or individuals in a romantic relationship.

Alcohol can exacerbate tensions, impair judgment and increase aggression, leading to disputes that may escalate into actions that violate Arizona law. It's important to note that while alcohol might impair judgment, it does not excuse illegal behavior.

Assault

Assault involves intentionally causing physical injury to another person, placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury or knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke.

Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase aggression, leading to impulsive actions that may result in assault charges. In Arizona, assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the act or the presence of aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon.

Sexual Misconduct

Studies show a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and sexual misconduct. In Arizona, sexual crimes encompass a range of offenses, from indecent exposure to sexual assault.

The consequences of a sex crime conviction can be severe and extend beyond legal penalties like jail time, fines and mandatory sex offender registration. A conviction can have far-reaching effects on your personal life, from strained relationships to professional challenges.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Intoxication impairs a person's ability to assess risks, making them more likely to underestimate how impaired they are or overestimate their ability to drive safely. Even responsible individuals who typically plan ahead and rely on a rideshare or designated driver can make reckless choices after consuming too much alcohol.

What sets drunk driving apart from other common alcohol-related offenses is that it frequently involves individuals with no prior criminal history. People who have never had negative interactions with law enforcement are arrested for DUI every day.

If you’ve been arrested for the first time and are being charged with a DUI, contact National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) board-certified DUI defense attorney Michael Alarid III.

No Contest vs. Guilty Plea in Alcohol-Related Charges

Many people recognize the term 'no contest' from legal dramas or police procedurals but may not fully understand how it differs from pleading guilty or not guilty. Unlike some states, Arizona allows defendants to plead no contest to certain charges, including those related to intoxication.

A defendant who pleads no contest is not admitting guilt for their alleged actions but is accepting the conviction and consequences.

Why Would Someone Plead No Contest?

A guilty plea means the defendant admits to the crime, and that admission can be used against them in a civil lawsuit. For example, if someone pleads guilty to assault after a bar fight while drunk, the alleged victim could use that plea as evidence when seeking damages in a civil case. If the defendant pleads no contest, they are convicted criminally but do not admit to the facts, making it harder for the victim to use the conviction as direct evidence in an injury lawsuit.

Legal Defenses for Crimes Allegedly Committed While Intoxicated

There are a number of potential strategies a Phoenix criminal defense attorney can use to defend people charged with alcohol-related crimes. Some examples include:

• Lack of Intent – Arguing that the defendant did not intentionally commit the alleged act.
  
  
• Consent in Sexual Misconduct Cases – Presenting evidence or witness testimony to show that the involved parties gave consent.
  
  
• Challenging the Evidence – Scrutinizing the validity, collection methods or handling of evidence by law enforcement.
  
  
• Constitutional Violations – Determining whether police violated the defendant’s constitutional rights during the investigation, arrest or questioning.

The effectiveness of a defense strategy depends on the facts of the case. If you’re facing charges after a night of drinking, it’s likely in your best interest to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Consult With an Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist in Phoenix

Even good people make mistakes after overindulging in alcohol. One bad night shouldn’t ruin the rest of your life. Michael Alarid III, an Arizona board-certified specialist in criminal law, is dedicated to defending individuals charged with all types of crimes in Phoenix, including those stemming from alcohol. Request a free consultation by calling (602) 818-3110.