Public Intoxication Charges Attorneys
Nobody anticipates the complications that can come with a public intoxication arrest. If you find yourself facing public intoxication charges, you might brush them off and assume your problems will go away after paying a fine. But these charges can leave a lasting mark on your life. Whether out at one of Austin’s many bars or nightclubs or at one of the major events in the city, police take public intoxication seriously.
At Hildreth & Rueda, our Austin public intoxication attorneys understand the ramifications of these charges. With over 20 years of combined criminal defense experience, we have seen how one mistake can change everything, and we work hard to help our clients avoid a criminal record. If you have been arrested for public intoxication, let’s find a way to keep your record clean. Reach out to us today at 512-415-7648 or send us an email to discuss your case.
What Is Public Intoxication?
In Texas, the law is clear: you may face public intoxication charges if you are found in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that you could endanger yourself or others. While public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor offense, a conviction could have an outsize influence on the rest of your life.
People think of public intoxication as being too drunk to function – but it can be more or less than that. There are many different types of behaviors that law enforcement can consider to be public intoxication and result in charges, which include:
- Signs of obvious impairment, such as throwing up or falling down
- Shouting or yelling at others nearby – typically in some sort of confrontational manner
- Sitting or resting in a place that could result in harm – like sitting down on the curb of a road or laying on a park bench
- Refusing to follow directions of police – for example, officers request that you wait to cross a road and you refuse
Being arrested for public intoxication means you could be taken to jail immediately. If you are convicted of your charges, you could face a fine of up to $500 – and a permanent entry on your criminal record. Having a criminal record can affect your future employment, education and even housing opportunities. As DWI lawyers, we are here to ensure that one mistake doesn’t define your future.
Fight Back Against Public Intoxication Charges
Arrested for public intoxication? Don’t wait. Taking action now can make all the difference in your case and your life. Contact Hildreth & Rueda today for a free consultation. Our DWI lawyers speak Spanish and are committed to serving the diverse Austin community. Reach out to us by phone at 512-415-7648 or by email.