Being charged with public intoxication in Texas is something you want to avoid, even though it is a Class C misdemeanor. Crimes that fall into Class C do not usually result in jail time. However, you could end up with a criminal record which can have harmful effects on all your plans. Being under the influence of alcohol in an illegal area like schools, hospitals, cars, etc., qualifies as public intoxication. It is a felony as you can cause harm to yourself and/or others around you.
Texas gives you the freedom to have a good time with your friends at a bar or other public places. But if you are in an accident, especially under the influence, you may be in serious trouble. In fact, you may have to seek help from an Austin Criminal Attorney. In this article, you can learn more about public intoxication charges in Texas and how serious they are.
What Is The Texas Public Intoxication Law?
The Texas penal code, section 49.01, defines intoxication as a person not having control of their mind or body due to controlled substances. It further states that intoxication in a public place is an offense as it can endanger themselves and/or others. Therefore, this results in a serious criminal record. The purpose of this law is to allow licensed premises to sell and allow drinking. These include restaurants, bars, clubs, and any other legalized premises. Conversely, drinking in public places such as public roadways, hospitals, schools, office buildings, and apartments is illegal.
This also applies to drinking and driving, especially if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. Even if you’re just walking along the sidewalk under the influence, and officers take notice, you are committing a criminal offense. This is especially applicable if you are in an altercation, seriously harming someone verbally or physically.
What Are The Charges For Public Intoxication In Texas?
If officers catch you intoxicated in a public place, then you will face charges that aren’t very severe. If you are of the legal drinking age, then the police will arrest you and fine you for $500. You won’t have to go to jail, as you can have access to Bail Bonds Austin, TX. But under the law of the Texas Code of criminal procedure, you’re arresting officer has another choice. They can release you to a licensed treatment facility if they feel like you need to go to one in case of chemical dependency.
The officer might also release you instantly if he/she feels like you cannot harm yourself or others under the influence of limited alcohol. These punishments apply to people of the legal drinking age. But there are also certain punishments for illegal drinking ages as this is a Class C misdemeanor for all minors. Underage drinkers will also face a fine of $500, along with having their driver’s license suspended if they have one. They might also have to go to an alcohol awareness class. You will also have to serve community service between 8-12 hours.
Fighting a Public Intoxication Charge
Sometimes you may want to fight off a public intoxication charge if you feel like you weren’t harming anyone. Public intoxication leads to a misdemeanor charge that will stay on your record for a lifetime. You’re most likely to get cleared off by the officials after you’ve paid your fine, but this doesn’t eradicate your record.
You will have to bear with a load of having a criminal record for the rest of your life. It can have a negative impact on your future plans, especially when you’re applying for a job at a renowned company. No matter how skilled and fit you might be for the job, your criminal record takes over all of it. So if you’re willing to go through a fight of your intoxication charge, you will first need to hire an Austin Criminal Attorney. A lot of strategic planning goes into a defense; hence you will have to make sure to get in touch with the best of criminal defense lawyers in Texas.
Final Words
To a certain extent, Texas’s public intoxication charge is quite serious, especially if you start assessing your future prospects with a criminal record in hand. While the charges aren’t as strict, you will still have to deal with a criminal record that might limit good career opportunities. If you have a public intoxication charge in Texas, then it is best that you don’t give up your future for a small mistake. Get in touch with an Austin criminal Attorney to help you with your case. The best choice would be to stay aware at all times when you plan to get intoxicated and limit carrying out such activities in public spaces.
