Arrested for Public Intoxication in Orange County?

What is a Drunk in Public Charge?

In California, Penal Code 647(f) is meant to punish people so drunk in public that they can't exercise care for their own safety or the safety of other people. The law isn't meant to punish people having a drink outside; it's specifically punishes people so drunk that they interfere with, obstruct, or prevent other people from using streets, sidewalks, or other public spaces.

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How is a Drunk in Public Charge Proven in Orange County?

To secure a conviction for drunk in public charges, the court will need to prove the following:

• You were willfully under the influence (drunk doesn't mean just alcohol, someone under the influence of drugs or other controlled substances can also face charges)
• While under the influence, you were in a public location
• Your behavior under the influence was a danger to you or other people
• Your behavior interfered with, obstructed, or prevented people from freely using a street, sidewalk, or any other public space

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Common Defenses for a Penal Code 647(f) Charge in OC

A skilled Orange County defense lawyer will be able to build a defense that gets your drunk in public charges lowered or dropped altogether. Here are the most common defenses used in these cases:

• You weren't in public: if your behavior that led to an arrest happened inside your own home or a hotel room, you weren't in a public place and not guilty of being "drunk in public." The location of where your behavior is alleged to have happened matters a lot in these cases.
• You weren't willfully under the influence: remember, the court has to prove that you WILLFULLY were under the influence; that is, you were drunk by choice. If you didn't know what you were drinking or someone slipped a drug into your drink, you aren't guilty of drunk in public charges.
• Lack of probable cause: don't forget your Constitutional rights. If you were detained without having enough reason for your arrest, a strong Orange County public intoxication defense attorney will be able to get the case dismissed.

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Penalties in Orange County

In California, drunk in public is a misdemeanor offense. Here are the penalties that a Penal Code 647(f) conviction will bring:

• Informal probation
• Maximum 6 months in county jail
• Maximum $1,000 fine

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Related Offenses to a Drunk in Public Conviction

• Penal Code 415 - Disturbing the Peace: this offense is related to drunk in public charges because it involves conduct in a public place. These charges are usually related to drunk in public situations that involved fighting, being especially noisy in public, or using offensive words in public to provoke other people.
• Penal Code 148(a)(1) - Resisting Arrest: these charges can be leveled depending on your behavior during a drunk in public arrest. Resisting arrest is charged if you're accused of resisting, obstructing, or delaying a police officer from doing their duties.

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Hire an Experienced OC Public Intoxication Defense Attorney

Law Office of Michael L. Guisti has defended many Orange County residents accused of drunk in public charges. We've been able to build strong defenses that get charges lowered or dropped for many clients over the years. Contact us at (714) 530-9690 or (888) 478-8999.

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Additional Information

• Arrested for Public Intoxication? What Does This Mean for Your Job?