INTOXICATION

"Intoxication" means a substantial disturbance of mental or physical capacities resulting from the introduction of substances into the body.

Source:  General Statutes § 53a-7.

Commentary:  The statutory definition applies to the defense of intoxication. See Intoxication, Instruction 2.7-1. In the context of driving under the influence, the following definition has been developed: A person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or both when, as a result of drinking such beverage or introducing such drug or both into (his/her) system, (his/her) mental, physical, or nervous processes have become so affected that (he/she) lacks to an appreciable degree the ability to function properly in relation to the operation of a motor vehicle.  See, e.g., State v. Gordon, 84 Conn. App. 519, 527, cert. denied, 271 Conn. 941 (2004); State v. Sanko, 62 Conn. App. 34, 41, cert. denied, 256 Conn. 905 (2001); State v. Andrews, 108 Conn. 209, 216 (1928).     

Glossary