Public intoxication is a crime in Texas, and it’s not an offense to take lightly. Public intoxication, also called drunk and disorderly conduct, is a crime where someone is intoxicated in public and causes a disturbance that endangers themselves or others. 

Some people think it’s no big deal to be charged with public intoxication, but it can do real damage to your criminal record and your personal life. What if you’re in a nasty divorce or custody battle? A public intoxication conviction can reflect badly on you. 

Luckily, a Fort Worth public intoxication lawyer can provide your best defense to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Reach out to the lawyers at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC for the guidance you need. 

What Is Public Intoxication?

To be convicted, the prosecution must prove you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or had an excessive amount of alcohol in your system. They must also prove you reacted in a way that posed a real and serious danger to the public.

Public intoxication is not simply someone who had too much to drink at a party and was taken home by friends. Public intoxication refers specifically to people who are drunk in a place where other people have access to them, such as:

  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Other businesses
  • Parks
  • On the street

You can also be arrested for public intoxication if you’re riding as a passenger in a vehicle. Because of this, it’s important to seek help now, before your day in court. 

Possible Penalties for Public Intoxication

If you have been charged with public intoxication in Fort Worth or surrounding areas, it’s important to consult with a lawyer. The penalties for a conviction are serious, and the consequences of a conviction can last long after your case has been resolved.

The penalties for public intoxication vary depending on your offense. In Texas, it’s a misdemeanor that can result in:

  • Fines up to $500
  • Up to 180 days in jail
  • An order to undergo drug and alcohol counseling

If you have a prior conviction, you could end up spending as much as one year in jail. These penalties can climb quickly, and that time in jail can impact your job, family, and relationships. 

Fortunately, there are defense tactics that a public intoxication lawyer can use. Your lawyer will investigate whether the police had probable cause to arrest you and reason to believe that you were intoxicated. Your lawyer can argue that there weren’t enough physical signs of impairment, and you could have your charges dismissed.

Reach Out to a Public Intoxication Lawyer in Fort Worth

When you hire one of the attorneys at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC as your Fort Worth public intoxication lawyer, we work hard on your behalf. We want to see the charges against you minimized or dropped completely. 

We understand how important it is for you to have your case resolved quickly and efficiently so we’ll do everything we can to make sure that happens. Call 817-334-7900 or reach out through our online form to set up a free consultation.