Intoxication is the act or condition of being impaired as a result of the use of alcohol or narcotics. The distinction is made within the context of law for different reasons. Intoxication is a condition of drunk driving or driving while impaired charges. It is also a factor in other cases when there is a need to show that actions taken by a person were outside of what they, or another normal person, would do in regular circumstances.
The level at which a person is deemed to be intoxicated varies from state to state. Some states take a "zero tolerance" stance, which effectively makes any level of intoxication illegal. Included in these areas are so-called "dry" counties, where alcohol is not made available for sale. In some states, there is a difference between being drunk and being intoxicated. Being intoxicated is a lesser offense related to a lower blood alcohol level than drunkenness.
In many serious court cases, where felony charges are pending against a defendant, it is usual for a plea for leniency to be made when the defendant can say that the crime was committed when the person was intoxicated. This argument assumes that the defendant was not in their right mind or had diminished capacity at the time. Although certain crimes will consider intoxication in terms of mitigating factors, it does not necessitate the arrival of a not-guilty verdict. While all states have roadside alcohol testing equipment, roadside narcotics testing equipment is emerging, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal.