Public Intoxication Lawyer in San Antonio, TX
Drinking to the point that you are yelling obscenities at strangers, falling, or posing a danger to others could result in a public intoxication charge. If you have been arrested or charged with public intoxication, you may be terrified. While it may stem from a night out with friends getting out of hand, you risk having a permanent criminal record. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our San Antonio public intoxication lawyer knows that there are always two sides to a story. Before you admit guilt and pay a fine, contact our legal team.
What is Public Intoxication?
Public intoxication is the act of being intoxicated in a public place to the point that you pose a risk of harming yourself or others. In certain jurisdictions, you will be arrested for disorderly conduct, while in other states, public intoxication is considered a crime (like Texas). To be charged with public intoxication, it must be obvious that you are drunk. If you keep to yourself and do not bother other people, you can avoid an arrest.
Public Intoxication Penalties in Texas
Public intoxication is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine. If you agree to pay the fine, this is treated like a conviction. While no jail time is imposed, it comes with collateral consequences. For one, you will have a permanent record, which will make it difficult to find a suitable job or renew professional licensure. The offense will appear on background checks, making it difficult to rent an apartment or apply for a loan.
If this is your third public intoxication offense, it will be charged as a Class B misdemeanor. You may be fined up to $2,000 and sentenced to 180 days in county jail. This is the maximum penalty under Texas law. While you may be able to get the record expunged, working with a criminal defense lawyer immediately is in your best interest.
Potential Defenses
Public intoxication is a relatively subjective crime, hinged on a police officer’s assessment of whether you pose a public threat. When there is little or no evidence that you posed a danger or were disturbing the peace, the charges are often dismissed. Simply yelling or displaying aggressive behavior does not constitute inebriation. In some cases, your behavior may be unrelated to alcohol entirely, with law enforcement misjudging the situation.
Why You Should Work with Our Legal Team
With 20 years of experience litigating cases in the San Antonio area, Attorney Justin D. Cook is prepared to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine what transpired. Our criminal defense lawyer is eager to hear the progression of events told from your perspective, not what the police reported. By nailing down what happened, Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC can provide you with the best possible representation.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Our San Antonio Public Intoxication Lawyer
Not all criminal charges result in a conviction. If you are being accused of public intoxication, you need to hire representation immediately. Avoiding prosecution can go a long way in preserving future opportunities. To evaluate your legal options, schedule a consultation with us today. Our San Antonio office can be reached online or by calling (210) 740-0281.