Public Intoxication Penalties

Having a drink or two too many can happen, and if you’re not driving, you likely think – What’s the harm? The fact is, however, that simply strolling from location to location, walking home, or hanging out with friends on the sidewalk when you are under the influence can lead to a charge of public intoxication – or public drunkenness. If you have been slapped with such a charge, it’s time to consult with an experienced Suwanee criminal defense attorney.

Is It Public Intoxication?

If you drink a bit more than you should, but you mind your p’s and q’s, you’re unlikely to face a public intoxication charge. If, however, you loosen your inhibitions and your behavior is affected in any of the following ways, the charge of public intoxication could apply:

  • Engaging in boisterous, rowdy, or raucous behavior
  • Using vulgar, profane, or otherwise offensive language
  • Acting in a manner that is deemed indecent
  • Talking very loudly, yelling, or screaming at others

Any such actions in a public place can support a public intoxication charge, and the same is true on private property if the owner or lawful occupants are offended by the actions.

Potential Penalties

Public intoxication charges are often levied against partygoers, against guests at bars and nightclubs, and against those who gather outside of these establishments or who walk home from them. Public intoxication is a misdemeanor charge that is enforced at both the state and county level in Gwinnett County.

If convicted of public drunkenness, the legal consequences can include all the following:

  • Fines of up to $1,000, in addition to court costs and legal fees
  • A jail sentence of up to a year

There are also, however, social consequences that you should not ignore. Having a criminal record can haunt your future in a range of ways that you may not have taken into consideration. The fact is that this information is a matter of public record, which means you’ll be subject to each of the following:

  • Your reputation will be tarnished.
  • You may have a difficult time finding a job.
  • Renting a home or obtaining a home loan can be far more challenging.
  • Your opportunities to further your education could be limited.
  • You could lose your professional license.

If you’re facing a public drunkenness charge, you should take the matter seriously, and the most important first step is consulting with an accomplished criminal defense lawyer early in the process.

Make the Call to an Experienced Suwanee Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The resourceful Suwanee, Georgia, criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland dedicate our impressive practice to skillfully guiding challenging cases like yours toward beneficial conclusions that uphold our valued clients’ legal rights and support their brightest futures. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay reaching out and contacting us online or calling us at (770) 887-1209 for more information about what we can do for you today.