voluntary intoxication instruction (Washington) · Go Syfert
← Washington issues

voluntary intoxication instruction in Washington

79 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1976–2026 11 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (11)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Gabryschakgreen
washctapp · 1996 · cited in 21 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1999–2026
2 sentences

2026When a voluntary intoxication instruction is sought, a defendant must show “(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) evidence that the drinking affected the defendant’s ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Gabryschak, 83 Wn.

2025App. 249, 252 , 921 P.2d 549 (1996), in which the defendant, convicted of felony harassment and third-degree malicious mischief, appealed the denial of a voluntary intoxication instruction.

221
State v. Gallegosgreen
washctapp · 1992 · cited in 18 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1996–2024
2 sentences

2023A criminal defendant is entitled to a voluntary intoxication defense if, “(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking affected his or her ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Gallegos, 65 Wn.

2022App. 230, 238 , 828 P.2d 37 (1992) (defendant is entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction only if the crime has a particular mental state as an element). 9 Because we find defense counsel was not ineffective, there was no error, and we therefore do reach Lee’s claim of cumulative error. - 10 - No. 82597-6-I/11 V.

218
State v. Finleygreen
washctapp · 1999 · cited in 5 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2003–2015
2 sentences

2015App. 129, 135 , 982 P. 2d 681 ( 1999) ("[ T] he court is required to give a voluntary intoxication instruction only in those cases in which the level of mental impairment caused by alcohol or drugs clearly affected the defendant's criminal responsibility by eliminating the necessary mens rea.").

2014App. 129, 135 , 982 P. 2d 681 ( 1999) ( "[ T] he court is required to give a voluntary intoxication instruction only in those cases in which the level of mental impairment caused by alcohol or drugs clearly affected the defendant' s criminal responsibility by eliminating the necessary mens rea. ").

25
State v. Byrdgreen
washctapp · 1981 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
22
State v. Everybodytalksaboutgreen
wash · 2002 · cited in 8 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2004–2025
2 sentences

2015To receive a voluntary intoxication instruction regarding alcohol, a defendant must show "(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking affected [the defendant's] ability to acquire the required mental state." State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wn.2d 456,479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002). 7 No. 32271-8-111 State v. Fawver Mr. Fawver's argument founders on the third prong of the test. 2 While both the assault and burglary charges required intentional conduct, there is absolutely n

2011To receive a voluntary intoxication instruction regarding alcohol, a defendant must show "(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking affected [the defendant's] ability to acquire the required mental state." State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wash.2d 456, 479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002). ¶ 20 The three charged offenses all required a showing of intent.

18
State v. Krugergreen
washctapp · 2003 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2019–2020
2 sentences

2020Kruger, 116 Wn.

2020On appeal, the court concluded that Kruger was entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction because there was “ample evidence of his level of intoxication on both his mind and body.” Kruger, 116 Wn.

13
State v. Ricegreen
wash · 1984 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1987–2015
2 sentences

2015In State v. Rice, 102 Wn.2d 120 , 683 P .2d 199 (1984), the high court ruled that two defendants on trial for murder were entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction.

2011E.g., State v. Rice, 102 Wash.2d 120, 123 , 683 P.2d 199 (1984). ¶ 38 The facts of this case, when viewed in a light most favorable to Mr. Walters, support a voluntary intoxication instruction.

13
State v. Hueygreen
wash · 1942 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
11
State v. Lamargreen
wash · 2014 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
11
State v. Brettgreen
wash · 1995 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
11
Miller v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1996 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (1)

CaseNegativeCited
State v. Jonesgreen
wash · 1981 · cited in 6 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1983–2018
2 sentences

2018State v. Thomas , 109 Wash.2d 222 , 231-32, 743 P.2d 816 (1987) (expert testimony "not absolutely necessary in order for a court to give an intoxication instruction"); Jones , 95 Wash.2d at 622 -23 , 628 P.2d 472 (defendant's testimony that he drank " 'nine or eleven' beers," combined with eyewitness testimony describing defendant's slurred speech, glassy eyes, and stint in the " 'drunk tank' " on the night of the offense, entitled the defendant to a voluntary intoxication instruction in murder case).

2018State v. Thomas , 109 Wash.2d 222 , 231-32, 743 P.2d 816 (1987) (expert testimony "not absolutely necessary in order for a court to give an intoxication instruction"); Jones , 95 Wash.2d at 622 -23 , 628 P.2d 472 (defendant's testimony that he drank " 'nine or eleven' beers," combined with eyewitness testimony describing defendant's slurred speech, glassy eyes, and stint in the " 'drunk tank' " on the night of the offense, entitled the defendant to a voluntary intoxication instruction in murder case).

26

Also cited on this issue (62)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Everybodytalksabout green
wash · 2002
2 sentences

2015To receive a voluntary intoxication instruction regarding alcohol, a defendant must show "(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking affected [the defendant's] ability to acquire the required mental state." State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wn.2d 456,479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002). 7 No. 32271-8-111 State v. Fawver Mr. Fawver's argument founders on the third prong of the test. 2 While both the assault and burglary charges required intentional conduct, there is absolutely n

2011To receive a voluntary intoxication instruction regarding alcohol, a defendant must show "(1) the crime charged has as an element a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking, and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking affected [the defendant's] ability to acquire the required mental state." State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wash.2d 456, 479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002). ¶ 20 The three charged offenses all required a showing of intent.

72004–2025
State v. Webb green
washctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2024A defendant is entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction when “(1) the charged offense has a particular mens rea, (2) there is substantial evidence the defendant was drinking and/or using drugs, and (3) there is evidence the drinking or drug use affected the defendant’s ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Webb, 162 Wn.

2019A defendant is entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction when “(1) the charged offense has a particular mens rea, (2) there is substantial evidence the defendant was drinking and/or using drugs, and (3) there is evidence the drinking or drug use affected the defendant’s ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Webb, 162 Wn.

72015–2024
State v. Coates green
wash · 1987
2 sentences

2018Id. at 889 , 735 P.2d 64 . ¶167 Schierman also argues that the voluntary intoxication instruction should have "appl[ied] to the aggravating factor of common scheme or plan." Appellant's Opening Br. at 94.

2018Id. at 889 , 735 P.2d 64 . ¶167 Schierman also argues that the voluntary intoxication instruction should have "appl[ied] to the aggravating factor of common scheme or plan." Appellant's Opening Br. at 94.

62003–2018
State v. Priest green
washctapp · 2000
2 sentences

2026There, the trial court did not give a voluntary intoxication instruction despite evidence that Priest consumed alcohol and “had ample opportunity to see the punched out ignition.” Priest, 100 Wn.

2011State v. Priest, 100 Wash.App. 451, 454-55 , 997 P.2d 452 (2000). ¶ 48 At the conclusion of his case, Mr. Webb requested a voluntary intoxication instruction.

52011–2026
State v. Harris green
washctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2025“A criminal defendant is entitled to a voluntary intoxication instruction if: (1) one of the elements of the crime charged is a particular mental state; (2) there is substantial evidence of ingesting an intoxicant; and (3) the defendant presents evidence that this activity affected his ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Harris, 122 Wn.

2017When a voluntary intoxication instruction is sought, the defendant must show “(1) one of the elements of the crime charged is a particular mental state; (2) there is substantial evidence [that the defendant] ingest[ed] an intoxicant; and (3) the defendant presents evidence that this activity affected his ability to acquire the required mental state.” State v. Harris, 122 Wn.

52013–2025
State v. Simmons green
washctapp · 1981
2 sentences

1992State v. Simmons, 30 Wn.

1984E.g., State v. Simmons, 30 Wn.

51983–1992
State v. Griffith green
wash · 1979
2 sentences

1983A voluntary intoxication instruction was not necessary. [3] "A defendant is entitled to have his theory of the case submitted to the jury under appropriate instructions when the theory is supported by substantial evidence in the *415 record." [2] State v. Griffith, 91 Wn.2d 572, 574 , 589 P.2d 799 (1979).

1983A voluntary intoxication instruction was not necessary. [3] "A defendant is entitled to have his theory of the case submitted to the jury under appropriate instructions when the theory is supported by substantial evidence in the *415 record." [2] State v. Griffith, 91 Wn.2d 572, 574 , 589 P.2d 799 (1979).

41983–1984
State v. Harris green
washctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2025App. 547, 552 , 90 P.3d 1133 (2004) (citing State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wn.2d 456, 479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002)).

2017App. 547, 552 , 90 P.3d 1133 (2004) (citing State v. Everybodytalksabout, 145 Wn.2d 456, 479 , 39 P.3d 294 (2002)).

32013–2025
State v. Webb neutral
washctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2024App. 195, 209 , 252 P.3d 424 (2011).

2019App. 195, 209 , 252 P.3d 424 (2011).

32018–2024
State Of Washington v. Darrell D. Classen green
washctapp · 2018
2 sentences

2023Id.

2020App. 2d 520, 536, 422 P.3d 489 (2018).

32020–2023
State v. Walters green
washctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2023In order to receive a voluntary intoxication instruction, a defendant must show “(1) the crime charged has an element of a particular mental state, (2) there is substantial evidence of drinking [or drug use], and (3) the defendant presents evidence that the drinking [or drug use] affected the defendant’s ability to acquire the required 9 84451-2-I/10 mental state.” Walters, 162 Wn.

2020On appeal, the court held that there was “sufficient physical evidence of intoxication to entitle Walters to a voluntary intoxication instruction.” Walters, 162 Wn.

32020–2023
Strickland v. Washington green
scotus · 1984
2 sentences

2020We disagree. “[T]he Sixth Amendment [to the United States Constitution] right to counsel exists, and is needed, in order to protect the fundamental right to a fair trial.” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 684 , 104 S. Ct. 2052 , 80 L.

2020We disagree. “[T]he Sixth Amendment [to the United States Constitution] right to counsel exists, and is needed, in order to protect the fundamental right to a fair trial.” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 684 , 104 S. Ct. 2052 , 80 L.

22019–2020
Peralta v. State green
wash · 2017
2 sentences

2019Peralta , 187 Wash.2d at 892 , 389 P.3d 596 .

2019Peralta , 187 Wash.2d at 892 , 389 P.3d 596 .

22019–2019
State v. Virginia Warden green
wash · 1997
2 sentences

2018And although Warden , 133 Wash.2d 559 , 947 P.2d 708 , involved a diminished capacity defense instead of a voluntary intoxication instruction, its reasoning supports Schierman's argument in this case. 27 In that case, the defendant "disguised herself as a delivery person and gained entry into [the victim's] residence," demanded money, broke a mason jar over the victim's head, and then stabbed the victim to death with a butcher knife she found in a kitchen drawer. 28 A defense expert testified that Warden suffered from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder ) resulting in dissociative episodes, an

2015And although Warden, 133 Wash.2d 559 , 947 P.2d 708 , involved a diminished capacity defense instead of a voluntary intoxication instruction, its reasoning supports Schierman's argument in this case. 27 In that case, the defendant "disguised herself as a delivery person and gained entry into [the victim's] residence," demanded money, broke a mason jar over the victim's head, and then stabbed the victim to death with a butcher knife she found in a kitchen drawer. 28 A defense expert testified that Warden suffered from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder ) resulting in dissociative episodes, and

22015–2018
State v. Colwash neutral
washctapp · 1976
2 sentences

2018In State v. Colwash , 15 Wash. App. 530 , 531-33, 550 P.2d 57 (1976), aff'd , 88 Wash.2d 468 , 564 P.2d 781 (1977), the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, which the evidence showed he committed "by stabbing [the victim] with a knife." The court instructed the jury that the homicide was neither excusable nor justifiable, but that "intoxication could be considered in determining the presence of intent." Id. at 531 , 550 P.2d 57 .

2018In State v. Colwash , 15 Wash. App. 530 , 531-33, 550 P.2d 57 (1976), aff'd , 88 Wash.2d 468 , 564 P.2d 781 (1977), the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, which the evidence showed he committed "by stabbing [the victim] with a knife." The court instructed the jury that the homicide was neither excusable nor justifiable, but that "intoxication could be considered in determining the presence of intent." Id. at 531 , 550 P.2d 57 .

22015–2018
State v. Warden green
wash · 1997
2 sentences

2018And although Warden , 133 Wash.2d 559 , 947 P.2d 708 , involved a diminished capacity defense instead of a voluntary intoxication instruction, its reasoning supports Schierman's argument in this case. 27 In that case, the defendant "disguised herself as a delivery person and gained entry into [the victim's] residence," demanded money, broke a mason jar over the victim's head, and then stabbed the victim to death with a butcher knife she found in a kitchen drawer. 28 A defense expert testified that Warden suffered from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder ) resulting in dissociative episodes, an

2015And although Warden, 133 Wash.2d 559 , 947 P.2d 708 , involved a diminished capacity defense instead of a voluntary intoxication instruction, its reasoning supports Schierman's argument in this case. 27 In that case, the defendant "disguised herself as a delivery person and gained entry into [the victim's] residence," demanded money, broke a mason jar over the victim's head, and then stabbed the victim to death with a butcher knife she found in a kitchen drawer. 28 A defense expert testified that Warden suffered from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder ) resulting in dissociative episodes, and

22015–2018
State v. Griffin green
wash · 1983
2 sentences

2018The latter is not.24 "If the claim of diminished capacity is premised wholly or partly on the defendant's voluntary consumption of drugs or alcohol, however, one instruction can be adequate to permit the defendant to argue defendant's theory of the case."25 The supreme court has held that a voluntary intoxication instruction is 20 State v. Griffin 100 Wn.2d 417,419 , 670 P.2d 265 (1983). 21 State v. Atsbeha, 142 Wn.2d 904, 921 , 16 P.3d 626 (2001). 22 Id. at 918. 23 State v. Edmon 28 Wn.

2018The latter is not.24 "If the claim of diminished capacity is premised wholly or partly on the defendant's voluntary consumption of drugs or alcohol, however, one instruction can be adequate to permit the defendant to argue defendant's theory of the case."25 The supreme court has held that a voluntary intoxication instruction is 20 State v. Griffin 100 Wn.2d 417,419 , 670 P.2d 265 (1983). 21 State v. Atsbeha, 142 Wn.2d 904, 921 , 16 P.3d 626 (2001). 22 Id. at 918. 23 State v. Edmon 28 Wn.

22015–2018
State v. Thomas green
wash · 1987
2 sentences

2018State v. Thomas , 109 Wash.2d 222 , 231-32, 743 P.2d 816 (1987) (expert testimony "not absolutely necessary in order for a court to give an intoxication instruction"); Jones , 95 Wash.2d at 622 -23 , 628 P.2d 472 (defendant's testimony that he drank " 'nine or eleven' beers," combined with eyewitness testimony describing defendant's slurred speech, glassy eyes, and stint in the " 'drunk tank' " on the night of the offense, entitled the defendant to a voluntary intoxication instruction in murder case).

2018State v. Thomas , 109 Wash.2d 222 , 231-32, 743 P.2d 816 (1987) (expert testimony "not absolutely necessary in order for a court to give an intoxication instruction"); Jones , 95 Wash.2d at 622 -23 , 628 P.2d 472 (defendant's testimony that he drank " 'nine or eleven' beers," combined with eyewitness testimony describing defendant's slurred speech, glassy eyes, and stint in the " 'drunk tank' " on the night of the offense, entitled the defendant to a voluntary intoxication instruction in murder case).

22015–2018
State v. Colwash green
wash · 1977
2 sentences

2018In State v. Colwash , 15 Wash. App. 530 , 531-33, 550 P.2d 57 (1976), aff'd , 88 Wash.2d 468 , 564 P.2d 781 (1977), the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, which the evidence showed he committed "by stabbing [the victim] with a knife." The court instructed the jury that the homicide was neither excusable nor justifiable, but that "intoxication could be considered in determining the presence of intent." Id. at 531 , 550 P.2d 57 .

2018In State v. Colwash , 15 Wash. App. 530 , 531-33, 550 P.2d 57 (1976), aff'd , 88 Wash.2d 468 , 564 P.2d 781 (1977), the defendant was convicted of second degree murder, which the evidence showed he committed "by stabbing [the victim] with a knife." The court instructed the jury that the homicide was neither excusable nor justifiable, but that "intoxication could be considered in determining the presence of intent." Id. at 531 , 550 P.2d 57 .

22015–2018
State v. Webster green
washctapp · 2001
2 sentences

2018State v. Warden , noted at 106 Wash. App. 1055 , 2001 WL 747659 , at *1 (appeal after remand).

2015State v. Warden, noted at 106 Wash. App. 1055 , 2001 WL 747659 , at *1 (appeal after remand).

22015–2018
State v. Thomas green
washctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2017State v. Thomas, 123 Wn.

2016A voluntary intoxication defense allows the jury to consider evidence of intoxication in determining whether the defendant acted with the intent required to commit the crime.8 State v. Thomas, 123 Wn.

22016–2017
State v. Stacy green
washctapp · 2014
2 sentences

2017App. 553, 569 , 326 P.3d 136 (2014). 77 Id. (quoting State v. Mriqlot, 88 Wn.2d 573 , 576 n.2, 564 P.2d 784 (1977)). 25 No. 72951-9-1/26 determination of whether the defendant acted with a particular degree of mental culpability.78 Gill did not assert a voluntary intoxication defense at trial.

2017App. 553, 569 , 326 P.3d 136 (2014). 77 Id. (quoting State v. Mriqlot, 88 Wn.2d 573 , 576 n.2, 564 P.2d 784 (1977)). 25 No. 72951-9-1/26 determination of whether the defendant acted with a particular degree of mental culpability.78 Gill did not assert a voluntary intoxication defense at trial.

22017–2017
State v. Thomas green
washctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2016App. 771, 781 , 98 P.3d 1258 (2004).

2011Id. at 781-82, 98 P.3d 1258 . ¶ 47 Three conditions must be met to justify a voluntary intoxication instruction.

22011–2016
State v. Ager green
wash · 1995
22011–2011
State v. Ager green
wash · 1995
22011–2011
State v. Priest neutral
washctapp · 2000
22011–2011
State v. Stevens green
wash · 2006
22011–2011
State v. Smissaert green
washctapp · 1985
22003–2003
State v. Washington green
washctapp · 1983
21984–1984
State v. Brooks green
wash · 1982
21983–1983
State v. McCullum green
wash · 1983
21983–1983
State v. Arbogast green
wash · 2022
12023–2023
In Re The Detention Of: Rick A. Monroe green
washctapp · 2017
12023–2023
State v. Abuan green
washctapp · 2011
12022–2022
State v. Abuan green
washctapp · 2011
12022–2022
State v. King green
washctapp · 1979
12021–2021
State Kidwell green
wva · 1907
12021–2021
State v. Clausing green
wash · 2002
12020–2020
State v. Clausing green
wash · 2002
12020–2020
State v. Hendrickson green
wash · 1996
12019–2019

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 2.06.040 (24) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.16.090 (21) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.36.031 (11) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.08.010 (8) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.32.030 (7) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 10.61.003 (6) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.36.021 (6) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 10.01.160 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.525 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.04.110 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.28.020 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.52.020 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 108 (1987–2026) FL 104 (1985–2025) WA 79 (1976–2026) KS 50 (1978–2026) PA 43 (2001–2026) TX 35 (2003–2026) IN 30 (1976–2020) KY 28 (1993–2025) NC 28 (1989–2026) IL 18 (1971–2025) MN 18 (1976–2023) CO 15 (2009–2026) OK 14 (1996–2018) AZ 12 (1984–2024) NJ 10 (2011–2025) MA 10 (1995–2018) NM 10 (1996–2026) UT 8 (2006–2026) WI 8 (1981–2025) MO 7 (1981–2009) MD 6 (1986–2012) TN 6 (1990–2016) NV 5 (2018–2021) GA 4 (1995–2010) NY 4 (2013–2025) MS 4 (1992–2017) AL 4 (1993–2016) MI 3 (1981–2023) DC 3 (1982–2025) OH 3 (1999–2022) LA 3 (2019–2026) ME 2 (2019–2019) WY 2 (1986–2002) MT 2 (1996–2003)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check