Public Intoxication
Alcohol-Related Crimes in Indiana
Our Fishers public intoxication defense attorneys of Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP stand by to help you if you have been arrested for public intoxication. Although the criminal offense may seem harmless to you, it is not seen as such by the state. Indiana prosecutors are zealous about securing public intoxication convictions and judges will not show any leniency.
The penalties for public intoxication can include:
- $1,000 fine
- 180 days in jail
- Both jailtime and fines
You can also be legally held within county jail if you are deemed intoxicated and unmanageable, up until you are sober again. It is also possible to be issued a citation for public intoxication, but this is relatively uncommon. If you have been charged with public intoxication, then you are facing misdemeanor charges and should get the immediate assistance of our criminal defense lawyers.
Call us at (317) 434-1490 or contact us online to begin your public intoxication defense case.
What Does Indiana Consider Public Intoxication?
The phrase ‘public intoxication’ conjures images of someone being drunk in public. Is this all there is to the alcohol-related offense? Not exactly.
In Indiana, it is considered public intoxication if you are drunk or impaired by drugs in public, and you are:
- Causing trouble that could result in serious bodily harm
- Disrupt the peace of the area, such as being boisterous and rowdy
- Intentionally harassing, annoying, or alarming others
Due to the definition of public intoxication, it is common for criminal defendants facing this charge to also be charged with disorderly conduct, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
Challenging Your Public Intoxication Charges
The simplest way to challenge your public intoxication charge is to argue that you were not intoxicated at the time of your arrest. If the police did not gather sufficient blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results after arresting you, then our Fishers public intoxication defense lawyers will be in a good position to use that to your advantage. We can also try to defend your rights by proving you caused no harm to others through your intoxicated behavior, or that you were not willingly in public. For example, if you got drunk in a bar and ejected from the premises before being arrested for being drunk on the sidewalk, then we might be able to argue that you were involuntarily in public, defeating the public intoxication charge.
The options for your defense strategies will vary greatly depending on the details of your specific case, though. It is best for us to sit down with you during a free consultation to get a clearer picture of what happened. Please call our team at (317) 434-1490 as soon as you can to begin your defense.
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I’m truly grateful for all the support and professionalism Danielle has shown throughout my case. She was always attentive, understanding, and went above and beyond to protect my interests.- Nancy G.
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He was thorough, prepared, and fought hard to make sure my voice was heard. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, dependable, and truly in your corner, I highly recommend Mario.- Former Client
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Amy represented me very early in her career. When I am asked for attorney recommendations, I never hesitate to share her name. She has the great distinction of representing her clients well, and still advising them on if they are being responsible or not.- Former Client
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From the very beginning, everything was clearly explained, which helped ease a very stressful process. Communication was consistent, professional, and reassuring, and we always felt well represented and informed.- Regina W.
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I had a fairly simple need but was very happy with the work and would use them again for any other legal work I need in the future.- Former Client
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The situation was difficult, to say the least, and Tom fought ethically and capably to protect our dignity and rights for my grandson's educational needs.- Kathy
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I feel truly blessed to have found Amy Carson. She did a wonderful job with my case and I feel very fortunate to have worked with her. She was attentive, answered all my questions and concerns no matter the time of day.- Emmy K.
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After 3 attorneys and tens of thousands of dollars spent. Amy and Latoya were successful in rescuing my grandson from and unstable environment on their first attempt.- Brenda H.
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