Dallas PI Attorney

A Public Intoxication (P.I.) charge requires that the person cited is intoxicated to the degree that he or she is a danger to him/herself or to another person.

Public Intoxication can apply to both alcohol and drugs. Drugs include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and even aerosol sprays.

The police use several criteria to determine if an individual is at risk of harming himself or herself or another person. These include being intoxicated to the point of being vulnerable to robbery and or assault; being intoxicated to the degree that attempting to drive home might not end well; falling over drunk as this puts an individual at risk of falling into the road and being run over by a car while walking home; starting a fight; or throwing things.

If an individual is cited on a Public Intoxication charge, he or she can expect to spend at least 6 hours in jail. The police do, however, have the option of releasing the publically intoxicated individual to the care of an adult who then assumes responsibility for any of the ticket person's future actions that night.

Public Intoxication is a Class C Misdemeanor. It carries with it a fine of up to $500. If the person that is intoxicated also happens to be a minor, the punishment terms are the same as if the person was charged with Possession of Alcohol by a Minor (MIP).

If you or someone you know has received a charge of Public Intoxication, contact the Law Office of Mark Lassiter, Dallas PI attorney.