Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Drunk in Public Charges in California: Your Defense Options Explained

There’s no question that a conviction of drunk in public or public intoxication can create serious problems for the rest of your life. If a potential employer, landlord, or any other individual or entity runs a background check, they’ll see this conviction. No matter what the circumstances of your arrest were, they may assume the worst. The good news is that there is help. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we can find the best defense for your case.

We are here to defend you and clear up your good name

You need a talented criminal defense attorney who has access to a wealth of strategies for your defense. The truth is that a conviction for public intoxication can prejudice people against you. When you work with Law Office of Michael L. Fell, you can count on an attorney who will do everything possible to defend you, your rights, your name, and your reputation.

You have a number of potential defense options

Depending on the details of your case, there may be a variety of defense options for you. We may work to show that you weren’t actually in a public place at the time of your arrest and therefore the charges aren’t accurate. We may work to show that you weren’t intoxicated. In some cases, we may show that the behavior you exhibited doesn’t qualify as drunk in public because you weren’t endangering your own safety or that of others, and you weren’t obstructing a public path or street.

In the event that you were intoxicated, we may be able to show that you weren’t drunk of your own accord. Perhaps someone spiked your drink or gave you alcohol without you knowing it. If the police violated your rights while they were arresting you or investigating the case, then we may be able to show that this is the case, which could get evidence disqualified. In that case, the charges may be dropped against you entirely.

Are you eligible for informal diversion? ‘

Did your public intoxication arrest involve drugs in addition to alcohol? If it did, then we may be able to keep you from being convicted by request an informal diversion agreement. This is available to people who’ve never been convicted of a drug crime.

The way it works is relatively simple. You are charged with your crime but judgment is held in limbo. You then agree to complete drug treatment or another type of community service program. Once you’ve completed it, your case will be dismissed without a conviction. This can be a better option if there is a wealth of evidence against you.

Don’t hesitate to find out what your options are

If you’ve been arrested on charges of being drunk in public, then it’s important to understand that this isn’t a charge you want to fight on your own. Secure a criminal defense attorney who can help keep your record clean. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we are looking forward to providing you with a free case evaluation. Simply call us at (949) 585-9055 for more information.