PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS CHARGE IN PENNSYLVANIA

If you have been charged with Public Drunkenness or Public Intoxication, do not assume that pleading guilty is your only option simply because you were drunk. A guilty plea can carry lasting consequences. In Pennsylvania, a conviction for public drunkenness generally cannot be expunged for at least five years.

If you receive a citation for Public Drunkenness, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible, with the goal of avoiding a conviction altogether. When you are interviewing for jobs or graduate school admissions, the last thing you want is for your interviewer to think you have an alcohol problem. Protecting your record now can prevent unnecessary obstacles in the future.

Public Drunkenness Defined

Public Drunkenness is a summary offense charged under Title 18 Section 5505, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $1,000 fine for each offense thereafter. A person commits a Public Drunkenness by appearing in any public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance without a prescription in a manner that the person either endangers himself or herself, endangers other individuals, endangers property, or annoys other people in the vicinity.

Why am I being charged with Public Drunkenness?

The police typically charge someone with public drunkenness when they act in an outrageous manner while intoxicated. The Zuckerman Law Firm has defended those charged with this offense for stumbling while walking, passing out in public, being disrespectful towards police or others while drunk, or for causing a disturbance while drunk. If you are charged with Public Drunkenness, you may also be cited with Disorderly Conduct or Underage Drinking if you are under the age of 21.

The Zuckerman Law Firm Defends Those Facing Public Drunkenness Charges

At Zuckerman Law Firm, we defend those accused of all types of alcohol related offenses, no matter how big or small. As a former summary appeals prosecutor, Attorney David Zuckerman has prosecuted and defended those accused of Public Drunkenness in Magisterial District Courts throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Don't fight this alone. Check out our Results page, and let us take the case. Call 412-447-5580 for a free, confidential consultation.