Drunk in Public

I’m Charged With Being Drunk In Public In San Diego – What Should I Do Next?
By DUI Defense Attorney on January 28, 2011

In California, pursuant to Penal Code section 647 the crime of being drunk in public is prosecuted as a type of disorderly conduct. To be convicted of this crime, a person must be intoxicated in a public place, and either be unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or for safety of others, or has to interfere with or obstruct or prevent free use of any street, sidewalk or public way. As a result, in order to convict an individual, the prosecution must show that a person was so drunk that he or she was a public nuisance or a hazard to others.

The public intoxication law is heavily enforced. A conviction for public intoxication may result in imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months, probation, and steep fines. Such conviction may also affect the defendant’s eligibility for present or future employment. Moreover, when an individual who commits this crime is under 21 years of age, the court will suspend his or her driving privileges for one year. If, however, such person does not have a driver’s license yet, the court will order the DMV to delay issuing the privilege to drive for one year subsequent to the time the person becomes legally eligible to drive. The court may also suspend the juvenile’s driving privilege for even longer time if it determines that the minor presents an on-going danger to society.

If you have been accused of disorderly conduct, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously represent you. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of this crime for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 764-2615 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com/areas-drunk-public. We will be there when you call.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post


Actor Rip Torn Arrested on Alcohol-Related Charges
By DUI Defense Attorney on March 8, 2010

KTLA gave the details of Rip Torn’s recent arrest in Salisbury, Connecticut. The story reported that Torn was allegedly extremely intoxicated when he broke into the Litchfield Bancorp Bank through a window while carrying a loaded .22-caliber revolver in his pocket.

He is currently facing the following charges stemming from the incident: Criminal trespass, carrying a gun without a permit, carrying a gun while intoxicated, burglary and criminal mischief. Police stated that Torn thought he was in his own home and not in the bank. He didn’t threaten anyone with the gun during the event. Torn has previously been charged with DUI charges; once in Connecticut and twice in New York. His attorney was quoted as saying, “There’s an alcohol issue that needs to be addressed.” The attorney also said that Torn will be going into a New York alcohol rehab center soon.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges such as any of the above, it is critical that you talk to an experienced attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling all criminal matters, including alcohol-related cases. Our Southern California drunk in public defense attorneys will guide you through the complex criminal court system ensuring that you understand your rights and fight to get you the best possible result in your case. Call us at (888) 764-2615 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post


Drunk in Public – California Penal Code Section 647
By DUI Defense Attorney on February 17, 2010

San Diego 10 News reported on the arrest of William Carroll, a fan attending a San Diego Chargers football game on January 17, 2010. Carroll was removed from the stadium by police, taken to jail, and booked on suspicion of being drunk in public and resisting arrest. An off-duty police officer who was sitting in the same section as Carroll during the game reported his alleged disruptive behavior and drunkenness to police. Police came to the section and they reported that they had to forcibly take him into custody after he refused their requests to come with them. Some fans in the section sided with Carroll and Carroll has denied all allegations. 49 people were arrested at the stadium during the course of the game.

Under California Penal Code 647 (f), it is a misdemeanor for any person to willfully drink alcohol or consume drugs in a public place, and as a result, place him or herself in a condition where he or she is unable to exercise care for the safety of himself or herself, or for the safety of others. The person can also be guilty of this crime if he or she is drunk in public, and that person is interfering or obstructing the free use of sidewalks and other public ways. A public place is considered to be any place that is open and accessible to anyone who wants to be there. Penalties can include probation, jail time, and/or fines.

It is important that you contact a criminal defense attorney if you or a loved one is charged with being intoxicated in public. At Wallin and Klarich, our Southern California drunk in public defense attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling all types of criminal matters, including alcohol-related matters. Our criminal defense attorneys will work aggressively to provide you with the best possible result in your case. We will walk you through the whole process and fully inform you every step of the way. Contact us today at 888-764-2615 or visit us on the internet at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post


At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing drunk driving charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-764-2615 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.

California DUI Defense Lawyer Disclaimer: The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a criminal attorney for a consultation on your particular legal matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of California.

© 2009 Wallin & Klarich - All rights reserved. San Diego DUI Lawyers and DUI Defense Attorneys serving all areas of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Tustin and the Inland Empire.

Sitemap | Blog Sitemap