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Public Intoxication Lawyers | St. Petersburg Office | Serving Tampa, FL
8601 4th St. N., Suite 104, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
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Tinny Meyer & Piccarreto PA has experience helping clients with their Public Intoxication needs in Tampa, Florida.
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511 West Bay Street, Suite 330, Tampa, FL 33606
O'Brien Hatfield Reese, PA, is a law firm in Tampa, Florida with experience resolving cases in Public Intoxication.
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Public Intoxication Lawyers | Dade City Office | Serving Tampa, FL
14217 3rd Street, Dade City, FL 33523
Clients who need legal help with Public Intoxication concerns can contact Mander Law Group, a reputable law firm in Tampa, Florida.
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15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250, Tampa, FL 33647
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Musca Law has experience helping clients with their Public Intoxication needs in Tampa, Florida.
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4401 West Kennedy Blvd, Suite 250, Tampa, FL 33609
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Whittel & Melton, LLC, a reputable Public Intoxication firm representing clients in the Tampa, Florida area.
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601 Bayshore Blvd., Suite 910, Tampa, FL 33606
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Wagner McLaughlin, is a law firm in Tampa, Florida with experience resolving cases in Public Intoxication.
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Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
3411 W Fletcher Ave, Suite A, Tampa, FL 33618
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
201 E Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
12962 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618
Public Intoxication Lawyers | St. Petersburg Office | Serving Tampa, FL
9721 Executive Center Dr N, Suite 120, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 2200, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Clearwater Office | Serving Tampa, FL
250 N Belcher Road, Suite 102, Clearwater, FL 33765
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 1625, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 1825, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
2917 W Kennedy Blvd Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33609
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
1511 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33607
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
401 East Jackson Street, Suite 1410, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
4301 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33607
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 2180, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
201 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 520, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
100 Ashley Dr S., Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
101 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602
Public Intoxication Lawyers | Tampa Office
7320 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
Lead Counsel independently verifies Public Intoxication attorneys in Tampa and checks their standing with Florida bar associations.
Our Verification Process and CriteriaCharges of public intoxication are generally the result of being obviously drunk on alcohol or under the influence of other drugs while in a public setting, be it on the sidewalk, at the park or elsewhere.
Due to the connection between drugs and alcohol and addiction, public intoxication itself is not always considered to be a criminal offense worthy of charges, but rather an indication that an individual should be diverted toward addiction services or some other form of support group (a medical approach versus a punitive approach).
Public intoxication charges can occur when a person is visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in public. The specific definition and punishments of public intoxication may vary by state. Depending on the specifics of your case an attorney can explain the charges to you and discuss the various possible defenses to your case.
While public intoxication charges and disorderly conduct charges often appear at the same time, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, the two charges are quite different.
Disorderly conduct charges involve an offender who may have been:
Public intoxication, meanwhile, does not always involve outwardly offensive behavior other than the act of being severely intoxicated. For example, if you are passed out on a park bench after a night of drinking, you could potentially be cited for public intoxication. However, if you are arrested after starting a verbal argument with a fellow bar patron and making a scene, you could face both charges depending on the jurisdiction
Public intoxication charges are no laughing matter. Though the charge is usually a misdemeanor, you will want to hire an attorney. A skilled public intoxication attorney can help defend you against these charges.
There is no charge related to public intoxication at the federal level but state laws vary greatly in how it’s treated.
Some states do not consider public intoxication a crime while others prohibit the criminalization of being drunk in public in terms of municipal laws as well. In these states and others like them, if you are found severely intoxicated in public, you are instead taken to a treatment facility. However, some states do consider public intoxication to be a viable category of criminal behavior.
In any state where a public intoxication charge is considered a criminal offense, a conviction can mean a permanent criminal record, making it a serious charge. In most states, the only responses available to remediate a past criminal conviction are expungement, expunction, sealing of the record and in some cases, a full pardon.
In almost all cases, a charge of public intoxication is classified as a misdemeanor. That being said, public intoxication is commonly an “add-on” offense in situations involving assault, battery, rape, sexual assault and other, more serious crimes when drugs or alcohol are involved to a material degree (in jurisdictions allowing for the charge).
Public intoxication is typically classified as either a Class B or Class C misdemeanor.
The fine attached to each charge of public intoxication varies from state to state, but generally ranges from $250 to $1,000.
It is possible to fight a public intoxication charge. As with all criminal charges, it is strongly recommended that you secure adequate legal counsel before proceeding to trial — if a trial is necessary.
Not only can a skilled criminal defense attorney outline the options available to you, but attorney-client privilege protects the discussions you have with your lawyer, giving you the opportunity to divulge all material facts and evidence in support of developing a strategy for your defense.
A criminal record is certainly an undesirable outcome for those facing charges related to public drunkenness or public intoxication, therefore, if you are accused of such offenses you should engage a defense attorney’s services immediately.
Depending on how severe the circumstances surrounding the proceedings of your individual case are, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a diversion program, addictions counseling or other, less criminally onerous solutions from a judge (or even the prosecution before taking the case to trial).
No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.
Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.
For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.
Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.
Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.
Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.