Public Intoxication

Drunk in Public & Public Intoxication

If you’ve been charged with Public Intoxication / being Drunk in Public, time is valuable.

If you were intoxicated at the time, you may not be able to remember details that could be very important to your case. 

The sooner you contact our office, the sooner strategic steps can be taken to obtain critical evidence that could make the difference in reaching a successful outcome on your case.

Under California Penal Code §647f it is a Misdemeanor if:

1. Defendant was in a public place;
2. Defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a drug, or controlled substance, toluene, or a combinaton; and – either

3) Defendant was unable to exercise care for his/her safety or that of others;

OR 3) Defendant interfered with, obstructed, or prevented free use of a street, sidewalk or other public way by reason of Defendant being under the influence of the above substances.

Penalties

• A conviction of PC §647f is a Misdemeanor;
• The crime is punishable by:
  • Imprisonment in County Jail for up to 6 months, and/or
  • a maximum fine of $1,000.

**Also Note – a conviction under this offense:

• May have negative immigration consequences (if applicable);
• Will Not impact a person’s Gun Rights.
• Can be Expunged after the successful completion of probation (or jail time if it was imposed).

Possible Defenses

• Did the Defendant ingest the substance in question, involuntarily? (forced to, or by accident?)
• Did the Defendant not intend to be in a public place?
• Was the place where the Defendant was, not in a public place?
• Was there no actual interference or obstruction by the defendant?

Along with these defenses, an experienced attorney can compile an effective Mitigation Packet and strategically use it to negotiate and reach a successful outcome on your case.

Time is Valuable – Call Today for your Free Consultation

When it comes to constructing the best possible defense strategies for you, time is valuable. There may be opportunities to propose no/low Bail (if applicable); memories fade, and possibly helpful evidence may become unavailable, and possible early negotiating meetings with the assigned prosecutor pass by.  

Call the Law Office of James L. Hassey today at (619) 745-5555 so we can answer your questions and help you.