Sacramento Public Intoxication Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested on a disorderly conduct charge related to public drunkenness, call a Sacramento public intoxication attorney who can help.

In the state of California, anyone found to be intoxicated while in public could be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. In some cases, an individual may be placed in protective custody and taken to a treatment center or other safe place where the individual can wait out the effects of the drugs or alcohol.

Why do these laws exist? What’s the big deal about being drunk in public? The main issue with public drunkenness is the danger you could potentially pose to others while inebriated. If you are so intoxicated that you can’t even stand upright, for example, officers who come into contact with you may believe that you will harm others or yourself in this state.

If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct, you may want to seek legal help. The charge can impact you if convicted, so you should contact a Sacramento public intoxication lawyer with Crowell Law Offices to evaluate your case. We will do everything in our power to get your case dismissed or reduced.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct in California

Because public intoxication is treated as a disorderly conduct charge, any penalties will be assessed as such. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense in California, and it is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

To be charged with disorderly conduct because of public drunkenness, you must actually be drunk in a public place. The basic definition of public is any space that is open to all members of the community.

For example, a park that is open to the public would be considered a public place, but a backyard that backs out onto the park would not be considered a public place, even if it were visible to the public.

Defenses Against a Public Intoxication Charge

To defend yourself against a charge of disorderly conduct related to public drunkenness, you should seek legal assistance. Your defense attorney can utilize several defenses to get your charges either reduced or dismissed.

The following are examples of some of the defenses that could be used in your case:

• The officer who arrested you did not follow the law or arresting procedures.
• You were not drunk in public; you were merely being boisterous for other reasons.
• You were not a danger to yourself or others, contrary to what the officer claimed.
• You were not actually in a public place.

Speak with a Sacramento Disorderly Conduct Attorney

All criminal charges have the potential to negatively impact your life, and if you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct, you should seek legal counsel. Our attorneys can evaluate your public intoxication case and advise you on the best defense, negotiate reduced charges, and fight for you in court if necessary.

Call a Sacramento public intoxication lawyer from Crowell Law Offices at 916-303-2800, or complete the form below. We offer a free, confidential case consultation, so you’ve got nothing to lose by getting in touch with us!