A person can be charged and convicted of public intoxication if they are found in any public place under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance, and is in a condition where he or she is unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or the safety of others.
Public intoxication can also be found when a person is in a public place while under the influence, and that person interferes with or obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way. The public intoxication law under California is heavily enforced.
The prosecution in a public intoxication case must show that you:
Public intoxication is a misdemeanor. A conviction can result in imprisonment in a county facility for up to six months, steep fines, and probation. If the defendant is under 21 years of age, the defendant can lose his or her driver's license for one year.
If you are facing charges of public intoxication, contact an experienced attorney at Jones Law today.
The help of a good lawyer is critical in limiting the damage that a criminal or DUI case can have on your family, your life and your livelihood. Of course a good lawyer can minimize the penalties such as jail, fines and license suspension or revocation.
David E. Jones is a former Deputy District Attorney and a highly skilled DUI/DWI and criminal defense lawyer with more than 20 years of experience helping clients who are facing State and Federal criminal charges.