Many people who are charged with a misdemeanor for public intoxication don’t think it’s that big of a deal. They think they can simply pay a fine and move on with their lives. The truth can be much more serious. Read on to learn why you should never plead guilty – or even not contest – to a charge of public intoxication until you’ve spoken to a criminal defense attorney.

A record of public intoxication has the potential to cause serious problems in your life

If you plead guilty, or you have a conviction for public intoxication, you’ll have a criminal record. This could affect your ability to get employment, your ability to rent an apartment, and your ability to get a professional license. Having this on your record could prejudice people against you.

There is good news: You have defense options

No matter what the situation is, it’s worth talking to a criminal defense attorney to find out what your options are. Depending on the specific evidence there is against you, the best option may be to argue that you were drunk but that you weren’t in a public place. In other instances, we may work to show that you weren’t drunk in the first place.

We may argue that though you were drunk, it wasn’t through your own actions. For example, if someone spiked your drink then you wouldn’t be responsible for your drunkenness. We may show that you weren’t displaying the required behavior under the statute, such as obstructing a path or public street, or endangering your own safety or the safety of others. We may work to show that the police acting illegally while searching and / or arresting you.

If there isn’t a lot of evidence against you, or if the evidence against you is week, then Law Office of Michael L. Fell may be able to convince the District Attorney to drop the charges or dismiss them, which would put an end to the criminal proceedings.

An informal diversion program may be the best option for you

If you were drunk in public, and you were also under the influence of drugs, then there may be an option other than a standard conviction. We may be able to convince the prosecution to agree to an informal diversion agreement. Generally those who qualify for this option don’t have any drug convictions in the past. It holds the entry of judgment, which means that you would complete drug treatment classes and / or community service, and once you’d done so as agreed upon, the situation will be over.

If you’re being charged with public intoxication, don’t plead guilty. Talk to an attorney who may be able to, at the very least, negotiate a plea agreement that works for you. To get started with the process, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today. We are here to help you move forward from this. You are not alone and there are options for you.