A public arrest is almost always embarrassing. That's sometimes especially true if you've been accused of public intoxication. However, what does a public intoxication charge mean for you?
Understanding the laws in Florida on your public intoxication case will be important for your next steps. Make sure that you speak with your defense attorney before you accept the charges or choose not to defend yourself. These charges can have a major effect on your future, but you may have a chance to avoid these consequences.
If you're arrested for public intoxication, your charges may actually be for disorderly intoxication. This means that the police believed you were both drunk in public and causing a disturbance. This charge is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida.
If you're convicted, that could mean up to a year in jail, not to mention fines that could be up to $500. Worse, a conviction will be on your record. That means that if you're given a background check in the future, your misdemeanor will show up on your records.
Sadly, that also means that you could be feeling the effects of those charges long after you finished your sentence and paid your fines. That's why you'll need to focus on fighting back now, rather than accepting the charges.
A key part of your defense may be that public intoxication alone is not a charge. Instead, being drunk in public and causing a disturbance or endangering others (like while driving drunk) is at least a misdemeanor. That distinction can give you a chance to defend yourself.
For example, even if you were drunk, you may argue that you weren't disturbing anyone or causing harm. You may have simply been waiting on a cab or rideshare to get home, or you were with friends. You and your lawyer may then focus on how you weren't causing trouble or on fighting any evidence that you were disturbing the peace.
When you're accused of public intoxication, you'll need to act now to deal with those charges. You could face severe consequences if you accept the charges and take a conviction. Instead, you may have a chance to get the charges dropped.
That's where a Florida Tampa criminal defense lawyer from Hersem Law can come in. A conviction can hurt your future, leaving you struggling in the wake of your penalties. Your lawyer can help you prepare for your case and defend yourself against claims that you were disturbing anyone.
Fortunately, we also offer free strategy sessions. If you're struggling to understand your intoxication case, we can help you by reviewing the relevant Florida laws with you during your consult.
If you're facing public intoxication charges, get the help you need to attempt to get those charges dropped. Reach out by calling 813-251-7291 or by visiting us online to learn more.
Hersem Law is a full-service law firm representing diverse clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. Our combination of criminal and civil law experience allows us to understand all of our clients' needs and ensure their objectives are met. We're always working toward the most effective, immediate resolution while taking precautions to avoid potential problems. Attorney Christopher Hersem is a native Floridian and Tampa speeding ticket lawyer who was born and raised in Clearwater. He is dedicated to helping Floridians win their cases.When you need a defense attorney in Tampa, give our firm a call.... View full business profile here: Hersem Law
