It is perfectly legal for adults 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol in Texas, but people who become intoxicated can face criminal charges if they endanger themselves or others. While first-time public intoxication offenses are punishable by fines only, repeat offenders can face possible jail time.
A conviction for public intoxication will also appear on a person’s criminal record. Such convictions can negatively impact future applications for housing, employment, or professional licensing.
Lawyer for Public Intoxication Arrests in Georgetown, TX
If you were recently arrested in Central Texas for public intoxication, it will be in your best interest to make sure that you have legal representation. Price & Twine, PLLC defends clients in communities all over Williamson County and Bell County, such as Belton, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Harker Heights, Hutto, and many others.
Georgetown criminal defense attorney Michael J. Price can negotiate to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case and possibly get your criminal charges dismissed. He can review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (512) 354-1880 to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Texas Public Intoxication Information Center
- When can a person be charged with public intoxication?
- What are the consequences of being convicted of public intoxication?
Public Intoxication Charges in Williamson County
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.02(a), a person commits the Class C misdemeanor offense of public intoxication if he or she appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that he or she could endanger him or herself or another party.
Texas Penal Code § 49.02(a-1) establishes that a premises—defined under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 11.49 as “the grounds and all buildings, vehicles, and appurtenances pertaining to the grounds, including any adjacent premises if they are directly or indirectly under the control of the same person”—licensed or permitted under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code is a public place.
It is important to note that Texas Penal Code § 49.02(e) states that when public intoxication is committed by a person younger than 21 years of age, the offense is punishable in the same manner as if the minor committed an offense under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.071. In such cases, minors are subject to the same punishments as Class B misdemeanor offenses as well as additional penalties.
Public Intoxication Penalties in Georgetown
For adults, a Class C misdemeanor public intoxication conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $500. Alleged offenders younger than 21 years of age are subject to the same penalties, but any subsequent offenses are punishable as follows when such individuals have been previously convicted twice of public intoxication:
- Minimum fine of $250 up to $2,000; and/or
- Up to 180 days in jail.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.071(d)(1) also establishes that a court can order a minor placed on deferred disposition for or convicted of public intoxication to perform community service for:
- Minimum of eight up to 12 hours if the minor has not been previously convicted of public intoxication; or
- Minimum of 20 up to 40 hours if the minor has been previously convicted once of public intoxication.
Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.071(d)(2), the court will also order the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend the driver’s license or permit of a minor convicted of public intoxication, or—if the minor does not have a driver’s license or permit—to deny the issuance of a driver’s license or permit for:
- 30 days if the minor has not been previously convicted of public intoxication;
- 60 days if the minor has been previously convicted once of public intoxication; or
- 180 days if the minor has been previously convicted twice or more of public intoxication.
x
Find a Public Intoxication Defense Attorney in Georgetown, TX
Were you arrested in in Central Texas for public intoxication? Try not to make any statement to authorities until you have legal counsel. Contact Price & Twine, PLLC right now.
Michael J. Price is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown who represents individuals in Temple, Taylor, Round Rock, Leander, Killeen, and many other surrounding areas of Williamson County and Bell County.
Call (512) 354-1880 or complete an online contact form to have our attorney provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation