It’s no secret that alcohol leads people to behave in ways they wouldn’t while sober. While this can be a good thing, like helping people socialize with others, it can also have negative consequences. Alcohol can also be a contributing factor in assault cases.
Alcohol and The Mind
Alcohol has numerous effects on the mind, and in turn, how we behave.
- Increased aggression: many individuals become more easily agitated and aggressive after drinking alcohol. This may cause them to lash out or become angered by things that wouldn’t both them as much when sober.
- Inhibited rational thought: when you drink alcohol, it affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is the part that is used for rational decision-making. When impaired, individuals will struggle to make informed decisions.
- Impulsivity: alcohol makes most people more impulsive than they otherwise would be. This could be a problem if someone becomes irritable and then acts based on their emotions.
Overall, a general effect of alcohol is that it makes people lose control of their thoughts and behaviors.
This can lead to a higher chance of:
- Being injured
- Getting involved in criminal activity
- Acting violently
The Numbers
Data shows a clear correlation between alcohol and physical assault.
- Over 25% of all aggravated assaults are committed by individuals who have consumed alcohol.
- In fact, about 40% of murders are committed by individuals who had consumed alcohol immediately before the offense.
- Almost 70% of alcohol-related violence happens at home.
Physical assault isn’t the only type of assault spurred by alcohol use. In over 60% of sexual assaults, the perpetrator is intoxicated.
Fort Lauderdale Defense Attorneys
Most people would agree that drinking alcohol has led them to make mistakes. If your mistake now has you facing criminal assault charges, Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can help. We have represented numerous individuals facing assault charges; call us today to speak with one of our experienced Broward County defense lawyers.
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