Under Penal Code 647 f PC, it is a crime for a person to be drunk in public. The cause of such public intoxication can be either alcohol or drug use, according to this statue. This crime is also frequently referred to as “Drunk In Public”.

If accused of this charge, there are several legal defenses that may be considered to fight this code section, including showing that the defendant was not in a public place, that the defendant was involuntarily intoxicated, and/or that the defendant was not an interference or an obstruction.

Public Intoxication is charged as a misdemeanor in California. If found guilty, rather than sentencing jail time, a judge may award a defendant with probation. A drunk in public conviction can be expunged once the defendant successfully completes probation and any jail time, if imposed.

The law office of H. Charles Gorian has experience in fighting drunk in public and public intoxication charges, and in obtaining expungement. We know the California laws that affect your situation and we are prepared to stand in your corner and battle for your legal rights. Our law firm has helped men and women throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, and San Diego County, and we may be able to help you.

One phone call could be the difference between harsh criminal penalties and freedom. Call or email our lawyer today for a free, no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.