Getting drunk in public may lead to an arrest and charges of public intoxication if you engage in certain behaviors that are prohibited by state law in San Mateo County, California. If you find yourself facing such allegations, a San Mateo County drunk in public lawyer can provide valuable representation and counsel on how to proceed.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, help you navigate charges for being drunk in public. We fight to minimize the impact it will have on your life and help you retain your freedom. We take an aggressive approach so your rights are protected and you can avoid a conviction.
Our team is ready to help you when you call (650) 299-0500 or contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Facing Charges for Being Drunk in Public in San Mateo County, CA
At Ahmed & Sukaram Criminal Defense Attorneys, our highly skilled attorneys provide excellent service and defense strategies that get results. You will receive personalized attention and transparency from our San Mateo County criminal defense attorneys throughout the entirety of your case, so you can be confident that your case is in good hands.
With more than 30 years of combined experience, you have a strong advocate on your side who will protect your rights, improve the outcome of your situation, and minimize the collateral consequences you could face.
When you hire us, our San Mateo drunk in public lawyers will provide:
- A committed and dedicated legal team
- Excellent client service and reliable legal counsel
- Compassionate support throughout a difficult time
- Strong protection of your legal rights
- Prompt and strategic action
- Improved chances of achieving a favorable outcome
If you’re facing charges, you do not have to face your legal challenges alone. Contact us for a free consultation.
What It Means to Be Drunk in Public
In order to be considered drunk in public per California Penal Code § 647(f), you must meet one of two thresholds. You are either unable to exercise the appropriate level of safety for yourself or others, or are causing a disturbance in a public area that prevents others from using the area in question. The use of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances may be a contributing cause of this behavior. However, blood alcohol content (BAC) is not considered in cases of public intoxication in California.
While public intoxication is considered to be a misdemeanor in the state, there may be situations in which local law enforcement could take you into civil protective custody for 72 hours of observation and treatment. If this is the case, criminal charges cannot be filed, except in certain circumstances.
Penalties for Being Drunk in Public in California
Being drunk in public is considered a misdemeanor in the state of California. As such, you could be facing up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000 if you are charged. Depending on the severity and extent of your behavior and intoxication level, you could also face additional punishments as applicable.
Your offense could also be exacerbated if you have a prior record of public intoxication charges or attempt to get behind the wheel and drive while in this condition. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your options and receive help navigating the legal system.
Defenses for Public Intoxication
If you have been arrested and charged with public intoxication, you should hire an attorney right away to represent you and speak on your behalf. How you proceed can make a big difference in the outcome of your case and the strength of your defense. Depending on your situation, your lawyer will select the defense that will help secure you the most favorable outcome.
Some common defenses that may be used include:
- Lack of intoxication: Used to argue that you were not in fact drunk at the time that you were taken into custody.
- Lack of public disturbance: Used to show that you were not behaving in a disruptive manner or obstructing the use of public property, and therefore were not in violation of California’s drunk in public law.
- Not in a public area: Used to show that you were not endangering or interfering with the public while under the influence of alcohol or another substance because you were on private property or inside a private residence.
These defenses are often used to refute charges of being drunk in public. They can establish that you were not in violation of California law at the time of your arrest. Your lawyer will use one or more of these defenses to reduce the consequences you may be facing or get your charges dropped altogether.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our San Mateo County Drunk in Public Attorneys Today
Securing a positive outcome in your case is a high priority for Ahmed & Sukaram Criminal Defense Attorneys. We aggressively fight for you from the moment you hire us and ensure your voice is heard throughout the case. Our team is passionate about helping our clients, and you can be sure your case will receive the focus and attention it deserves. Reach out to our office today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a San Mateo County drunk in public lawyer.