Panel approves bill to remove voluntary intoxication as possible defense

By: Eric Heisig//March 4, 2014//

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A bill that would remove voluntary intoxication as a possible defense in criminal cases passed out of the Assembly’s judiciary committee Tuesday.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, would not affect any laws that allow for involuntary intoxication or being drugged to be used as a defense. Rather, the bill only would apply to those who knowingly and willingly ingested drugs or alcohol, and would not be able to be used to say that a defendant did not have the necessary intent to commit a crime.

Randy Kraft, the State Public Defender’s spokesman, said in an email attributed to him that the agency did not take a position on the bill.

The judiciary’s executive committee unanimously sent the proposal to the full Assembly. A Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, is currently in committee. Follow @eheisigWLJ

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