Opinion ID: 1614399
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: 6(d) VOLUNTARY INTOXICATION

Text: Give only for offenses occurring before October 1, 1999. See section 775.051, Florida Statutes. A defense asserted in this case is voluntary intoxication by use of [alcohol] [drugs]. The use of [alcohol] [drugs] to the extent that it merely arouses passions, diminishes perceptions, releases inhibitions, or clouds reason and judgment does not excuse the commission of a criminal act. However, where a certain mental state is an essential element of a crime, and a person was so intoxicated that [he] [she] was incapable of forming that mental state, the mental state would not exist and therefore the crime could not be committed. As I have told you, [the intent to (specific intent charged)] [premeditated design to kill] [(other mental state)] is an essential element of the crime of (crime charged). Therefore, if you find from the evidence that the defendant was so intoxicated from the voluntary use of [alcohol] [drugs] as to be incapable of forming [the intent to (specific intent charged)] [premeditated design to kill] [(other mental state)], or you have a reasonable doubt about it, you should find the defendant not guilty of (crime charged). Give when other applicable crimes are general intent crimes. Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to (lesser included crimes) (crimes charged in additional counts).