Alcohol consumption at a party can lead to very problematic decisions. People who have had too much to drink may struggle with their impulse control. In some cases, they may end up involved in physical altercations.
Unlike adults who have years of practice to learn how to handle alcohol, college students might struggle to manage their impulses while under the influence of alcohol. They may end up in a fight over disputes ranging from romantic entanglements to the outcome of a sporting event.
Are college students at risk of assault charges if they were clearly under the influence when a fight at a party occurred?
Alcohol use does not eliminate responsibility
Anyone consuming alcohol generally needs to accept responsibility for the impairment they may experience. If they break the law after drinking, they are theoretically liable for any criminal actions that occur.
State statutes do not allow for an affirmative defense on the basis of alcohol intoxication. College students who started a fight or caused serious injuries to others could be at risk of assault charges.
While they cannot blame the alcohol for their decisions, they may be able to defend against their charges using a different legal strategy. A successful defense can help students avoid criminal sentences and on-campus discipline. They can also avoid a lifetime criminal record.
Working with a criminal defense attorney familiar with college student crimes can be helpful criminal charges are at issue as a result of a youthful mistake or misunderstanding. Students who avoid convictions can protect their future opportunities and limit their risk of educational setbacks due to a fight at a party.
