Alcohol Responsibility Month is in April, but it should be every month when you consider the harm that can be done when someone over indulges. Not only do you put yourself at risk when you abuse alcohol, but you can also put friends, family, and strangers in harm’s way. Because of the need to drink and enjoy alcohol in a responsible manner, Responsibility.org has made a campaign out of alcohol responsibility, as opposed to awareness, for the month of April.
Alcohol can be an extremely addictive substance that can play a large role in criminal activities and violence. When consumed in an irresponsible way, alcohol can lead to minor criminal activities such as public intoxication, all the way to much more serious violent crimes such as rape and murder, and everything in between. With potential effects such as lowering inhibition, impairing judgment, and increasing the risk of aggressive behavior, anyone who consumes alcohol should always be aware of the potential consequences of their actions while under the influence.
Alcohol-related Crimes
DUI
One of the most common alcohol-related crimes is a DUI. A DUI conviction can severely affect your life for years to come by costing you thousands of dollars in legal fees, as well as potential jail time. Unfortunately, this is the third most commonly reported crime in the U.S. alone, with more than one million people arrested annually for driving under the influence.
If you are convicted of a DUI, it is likely that you will have your driver’s license suspended for a period of time, also making moving around town more difficult for you and your family. By making the choice to drink and drive, you are not only jeopardizing the safety of anyone around you on the road, but you are also compromising your family and career.
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication may seem like a minor crime, but a conviction can still get you jail time and fines. In the state of Florida, it is illegal for someone to consume alcohol and be intoxicated in a public place to the degree that he may endanger himself, other people, or property. If arrested, this is a second-degree misdemeanor, and you will need a defense attorney to assist you with your case.
Additional Crimes
Robbery and property-related crimes.
About 15% of these types of crimes are linked to alcohol abuse.
Sexual Assault
37% of sexual assault crimes are linked to someone involved in the crime being intoxicated.
Aggravated Assault or Domestic Abuse
Alcohol abuse can lead to mood swings and an increased temper, often times crimes against those closest to us occur when alcohol has been consumed.
Homicide
Alcohol is involved in more homicides than any other hard drug. In fact, 40% of convicted killers used alcohol before or during their crime.
Alcohol responsibility is important year round, but this month, think about ways that you can consume alcohol in a safer way. In an event where there was a crime committed, with or without alcohol, the accused should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist with the defense in his or her case.
References:
Alcohol Related Crimes – Statistics and Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2018, from https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/crimes/
Wilcox, S. (n.d.). Alcohol, Drugs and Crime. Retrieved April 03, 2018, from https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/alcohol-drugs-and-crime
Steiner, M. (n.d.). Florida Public Intoxication Laws. Retrieved April 03, 2018, from https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/florida-public-intoxication-laws.htm
Guiding a lifetime of conversations about alcohol responsibility. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2018, from https://www.responsibility.org/