Psychoactive Drugs, Crime and Violence

The unusually high relationship in this pre-trial sample between heavy alcohol use and immediately subsequent homicide-related charges at least supports previous findings, and in company with other post-conviction data suggests both a higher degree of relatedness than previously reported and the possibility that medico-legal maneuvers related to intoxication may be used to lessen the seriousness of the charge on which a conviction is finally obtained.

Abstract

This study in progress examines drug-relatedness in violent crimes, primarily on the basis of a detailed history and examination. 17 pre-trial cases seen in private practice with reference to non-drug criminal charges are reported. A significant relationship with alcohol was noted in 70.6% of the cases. The unusually high relationship in this pre-trial sample between heavy alcohol use and immediately subsequent homicide-related charges (85.7%) at least supports previous findings, and in company with other post-conviction data suggests both a higher degree of relatedness than previously reported and the possibility that medico-legal maneuvers related to intoxication may be used to lessen the seriousness of the charge on which a conviction is finally obtained.