You have heard evidence that [defendant] was intoxicated. Intoxicated means being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both. Some degrees of intoxication may prevent a person from having [the requisite culpable state of mind]. If after considering the evidence of intoxication, together with all the other evidence, you have a reasonable doubt that [defendant] had [the requisite culpable state of mind], then you must find [defendant] not guilty.
Comment(s)
Voluntary intoxication may rebut proof of intent in a specific intent but not a general intent crime. United States v. Oakie, 12 F.3d 1436, 1442 (8th Cir. 1993). The burden of proof to support the necessary intent, however, remains with the Government. See United States v. Burns, 15 F.3d 211, 218 (1st Cir. 1994). In Burns, the court declined to rule on whether intoxication is a diminished capacity defense barred by 18 U.S.C. § 17. See id. at 218 n.4.