CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Drunk in Public / Public Intoxication

Defending Public Intoxication Charges in California

Public intoxication or being drunk in public is considered a criminal offense in California, as per California Penal Code Section 647(f), where an individual is in a public area under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can happen anywhere that the public has unrestricted access to, like sidewalks, parks, parking lots or shopping centers. When someone becomes too intoxicated to make sensible decisions or poses a threat to public safety, it can result in a misdemeanor charge.

If you face such an accusation, you must seek knowledgeable legal counsel immediately. At our law firm, our attorneys have extensive experience in defending people against public intoxication charges. We will work with you, from the moment you are arrested, to try and have charges filed against you reduced or dismissed. Our main objective is to lower the risk to your reputation, profession or future opportunities.

Winning a public intoxication case requires skillful legal representation. The prosecutor must establish some vital elements before an individual is assigned a public intoxication conviction. The prosecutor must prove that the accused was in a public area, and under the influence of drugs or alcohol, to the point where they were a possible threat to the public or obstructing free use of public property.

Being found guilty of disorderly conduct is an alternative to being found guilty of public intoxication. A disorderly conduct charge can result from an intoxicated individual’s interference or obstruction of public property use like the street, sidewalk or parking lot due to their intoxication.

A public intoxication charge is a misdemeanor under California law, consequently less severe than other criminal offenses. An individual convicted of public intoxication can end up spending no more than 180 days in jail. It is crucial to fight these charges to keep them from showing up on your record, which can negatively affect your career and future.

Plea deals can be an option for public intoxication charges if you have been accused of a more severe crime. Disputing a charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance is harsher and can result in more severe consequences.

Contact our legal team the minute you face a public intoxication charge. We offer expert advice and representation to ensure you get the possible outcome for your case. If the prosecutor accepts accountability for intoxication in exchange for no contest, you may be charged with a public intoxication conviction, which is a better alternative to a harsher charge of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.