Ventura "Drunk in Public" Defense Lawyer

You can be drunk in public without being charged with a crime. In order to be arrested under California Penal Code 647(f) PC (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov), you would have be so drunk as to violate this statute in the following ways:

  1. You are unable to exercise care for your safety or the safety of others,
  2. You obstruct, prevent or interfere with others from using the streets, sidewalks, or other areas outside a home in which you are free to walk.

You may be sitting on a park bench, publically intoxicated, but if neither of these above two things is true you are not guilty of violating CA Penal Code 647(f). Also, if you ingested drugs and/or alcohol by accident, or you were forced to ingest, you are not guilty of being intoxicated in public under California law.

The California definition of a "public place" also includes public business and entertainment venues, a car parked on a public street, a common hallway in an apartment building or the area in front of someone else's house - any place that is open to the public.

You may be arrested for being Drunk in Public if:

  • You are willfully under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a controlled substance - that is, you are intoxicated in public on purpose because you voluntarily took alcohol and/or drugs.
  • You were either unable to exercise care for your own or others' safety or you were interfering with, obstructing or preventing the free use of a street, sidewalk or other public path.
  • Drunk in public is a misdemeanor in California. You can face up to six months in county jail and you could incur a fine of up to $1000.00.
  • A public intoxication conviction goes on your permanent criminal record whether or not you serve jail time or are placed on probation. This can affect your life because licensing agencies and prospective employers can see it.
  • There are several legal defenses that can be presented on your behalf if you find yourself arrested on this charge. Your attorney at Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law may be able to use the following defenses: insufficient evidence; violation of your civil rights by the arresting officer or you were not in a public place. Our skilled Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law attorneys may be able to get your charge reduced or dismissed. Contact Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law immediately after your arrest.

Retain Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law because Experience Matters

Contact Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law immediately upon being investigated or charged with any BUI charge. We have over thirty years experience in defending these cases. We will put our expertise to work for you.

Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law

Has More Not Guilty Verdicts Than Any Other Law Firm in Ventura County.

Charles L Cassy Attorney at Law

Serves Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Kern, San Diego Counties.

Call us at 805-642-0392