Beverly Hills Public Intoxication Attorney

What To Do If Charged with Being Drunk in Public

Drunk in public, also referred to as public intoxication, is committed when you are intoxicated in public and are endangering yourself and others. Many people are under the impression that if a person is drunk while in public, he or she can be charged with public intoxication. In order to be charged with this criminal offense, however, you must be placing yourself in danger or endangering the individuals around you before the police will intervene.

In the state of California, drunk in public laws are very similar to many other states. The laws dictate that it is “illegal to be in any public place under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs in such a condition that a person endangers his or her own safety or the safety of others.” For example, if a person is intoxicated at a bar and he or she chooses to start a fight with another person, the person could be charged with public intoxication.

Drunk in public is usually categorized as an infraction or a misdemeanor, unless the offender causes another person extensive bodily harm. When people are convicted of public intoxication, they may be sentenced with fines, community service, probation and drug and alcohol treatment. Additionally, the conviction will appear on peoples’ criminal records, which can cause lasting damage.

Experienced Public Intoxication Lawyer in Beverly Hills

If you have been charged with drunk in public in Beverly Hills, you should get a public intoxication attorney involved immediately. In some cases, skilled defense lawyers may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to get their clients’ public intoxication charges reduced or even dismissed, which will allow people to avoid harsh legal penalties. Our legal team at Okabe & Haushalter has a reputation for being able to offer our clients the dynamic, comprehensive legal guidance they require to get them to their desired result.

Do not hesitate if you have recently been charged with being drunk in public. Contact a Public Intoxication Lawyer from our firm as soon as possible.