Prescription Drugs, Alcohol, and Domestic Violence

Prescription drugs and alcohol play a role in many Domestic Violence cases.  As most people are aware, alcohol effects the central nervous system, reducing inhibitions and sometimes causing irrational and explosive behavior.  Prescription drug use with alcohol can amplify these effects.  The use of these substances can provide fuel for physical events in households between people with domestic relationships.  Some of these situations lead to arrests for Domestic Violence.
From a legal perspective, the use of alcohol and prescription drugs are very important.  There are evidentiary concerns that attorneys must take into account when alcohol and/or drugs are involved in a criminal case, namely the ability for a witness or a Defendant to properly perceive the events alleged to have happened.  In many instances, both the alleged victim and the Defendant in a domestic violence case were under the influence of alcohol and/or prescription drugs at the time of the event. 
Police officers are normally keen to the fact that a person is under the influence of alcohol as there are physiological signs like bloodshot eyes.  Usually, there is also a noticeable odor on an intoxicated person's breath.  Additionally, there can be empty containers of consumed alcohol around the crime scene.
Prescription drug use can be harder to detect, and officers do not always investigate this facet of a criminal case.
When reviewing a criminal case, attorneys must investigate the use of alcohol and prescription drugs, so it is important for witnesses and Defendants to discuss the use of these substances with prosecutors and defense attorneys.  Many times police reports notate the use of alcohol and drugs, but amounts and types of drugs can be in question.  More information may need to be gathered for an attorney to properly prepare to discredit, or impeach, a witness at an evidentiary hearing.
If you have been charged with Battery, Battery Domestic Violence, or any other related crime; or if a TPO has been issued against you, please visit georgeforjustice.com.