COLLEGE STATION PUBLIC INTOXICATION LAWYER

If you have been arrested and charged with public intoxication, you need to consult with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Public intoxication is classified as a Class C Misdemeanor charge. If you are arrested and found guilty, it will show up on your criminal record, which could negatively impact yours from being able to obtain future employment.

Many clients mistakenly believe that this is not a serious criminal offense and do not feel that they need representation to resolve their legal issues. Any time you are charged with a criminal offense, it is extremely serious as it can significantly impact your future and reputation.

If you have been arrested, you need the help of a knowledgeable alcohol offense attorney who could be your advocate and immediately begin working on your case. Reach out to our College Station public intoxication lawyers today. Our law firm is proud of the open communication and attorney-client relationship that we strive to establish with the person that chooses us to represent them.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIRE A LAWYER?

Public intoxication charges are often based on subjective observations and are a crime that is often charged due to a misjudgment on the part of the arresting officer. Police officers are arresting more people for public intoxication based on weak or insufficient evidence. In many cases, police officers arrested individuals solely for having a bad attitude and without performing blood or breath tests.

Hiring a public intoxication attorney in College Station is a sound decision because they could examine the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They have the ability to evaluate the individual circumstances that surround your case and evaluate if the arresting officer had probable cause to arrest you in the first place.

Often our law firm has been able to have the charges dismissed or reduced before a case advances too far into the legal system.

One very important aspect to remember when deciding whether you need to hire a lawyer is the fact that your case could end up going to trial. The legal system is overly complex and difficult to navigate on your own.

Before making any decision that relates to criminal charges, you need to be certain that you have enough information to make an informed decision. Before you plead guilty or pay the fine, talk to a knowledgeable lawyer about your public intoxication charge and how you could fight it and protect your reputation.

PENALTIES FOR A PUBLIC INTOXICATION CONVICTION

If you are convicted of being intoxicated in a public place, you face a fine of up to $500.00 as well as a permanent criminal conviction on your record. The first conviction for public intoxication is considered to be a Class C Misdemeanor. If you are a repeat offender, the charge increases to that of a Class B Misdemeanor, and if convicted, you will face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

However, it should be stated that if you are a minor or under the age of 21 years old, a conviction will also include your driver’s license being suspended for up to 30 days, up to 12 hours of community service, mandatory participation in an alcohol education class, and a fine of up to $500.

Many people charged with public intoxication crimes do not consider them to be serious offenses. They would just rather pay the fine than deal with obtaining legal advice and going to court. However, paying the citation equals you admitting guilt and will result in a permanent criminal conviction. A permanent conviction can cause negative consequences, such as not being able to qualify for student aid or admission to the college of your choice, as well as being denied security clearances.

A College Station public intoxication attorney could advocate on your behalf to have the charges dismissed. Protecting your future is our main objective when we request that your charges be dismissed. A dismissal of the charges is the only way to prevent a permanent criminal record from showing up on background checks and can be used against you in future criminal proceedings.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A PUBLIC PLACE?

The state of Texas considers a public place to be an area that a sizable group of people have access to. These areas can include shopping areas, parks, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, common areas of schools, office buildings, and public events.

In addition, a public place can also include a bar or any other establishment that is licensed to serve alcohol under the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Therefore, this means that you could be arrested and receive a public intoxication charge even while inside a bar. Generally, being under the influence of alcohol in a private residence does not fall under public intoxication. However, if you are highly intoxicated and outside on the sidewalk in front of your home, you could very well be arrested and face charges.

The law does not prohibit individuals from having a couple of beers and strolling the streets. However, when a person’s drunkenness ends up endangering him or her or another individual, then criminal charges of public intoxication may result.

Do not allow your future to be impacted by a night of drinking. Our public intoxication lawyers in College Station are passionately committed to protecting your future and maintaining your ability to remain without a criminal record. Contact our law offices and ask to schedule a free consultation.

WORK WITH A COLLEGE STATION PUBLIC INTOXICATION ATTORNEY TODAY

When you choose The Greening Law Group to represent you in your legal case, you have the opportunity to work with a lawyer who is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and served as a former district attorney and county attorney. We approach each case with our expert knowledge of the law, the courts, and the proven defense strategies available in your situation. Some of the different methods that we utilize include the following:

• Scrutinizing whether the arresting officer had reason to arrest you.
• Questioning whether you were actually intoxicated or posed a danger.
• Negotiating with prosecutors for a resolution that is favorable to you.
• Taking your case to trial if we believe it will yield a better outcome.

The Greening Law Group is proud of the service that we have been able to provide to the many college students in the area who have similarly faced legal issues that relate to public intoxication. If you are a new client and come in for a free consultation, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys will sit down and listen to your side of the story and work with you to determine a strategy for your case. Contact a College Station public intoxication lawyer today.