DRUNK IN PUBLIC – PENAL CODE § 647(f)

SOUTH BAY DRUNK IN PUBLIC LAWYER

Penal Code Section 647(f) is known as being “drunk in public” (or the “public intoxication” law).

That said, simply being drunk in a public place is not a crime.  To violate this law, the prosecution must prove that you were so intoxicated that you:
– are unable to exercise care for your safety or the safety of others, OR
– interfere with, obstruct, or prevent others from using streets, sidewalks, or other “public ways.”

If you are simply very drunk in a public place, but neither of the above things is true, you are not guilty of this offense.

Drunk in public is a misdemeanor in California.  If convicted, you may face up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Pat knows how prosecutors think when charging, investigating, and prosecuting a drunk in public cases in court.  This insider information and experienced is unmatched by any attorney who claims to be a “former prosecutor.”  Just recently, Pat had a client’s drunk in public case dismissed completely with no conviction, no probation, and no fines.

State court fines, like the $1,000 fine for being drunk in public, are also typically assessed what are called “penalties and assessments”.  This leads to fines being tripled or even quadrupled.  By having an attorney like Pat Carey, your money spent on attorneys fees can end up coming back to you by having your charges beat or reduced, thus saving you thousands in court costs and fines.