Public Intoxication Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for public intoxication in Houston, Texas, the way you deal with the charges could potentially affect the rest of your life.
You don’t have to face public intoxication charges alone. Cannon Law is ready to provide you with an aggressive defense as your public intoxication lawyer in Houston.
A person can be charged with public intoxication in Houston, and throughout Texas, if they appear in public while intoxicated and are considered a danger to themselves or others.
There are countless situations where a person could be arrested for public intoxication without real cause, due to the broad and ambiguous nature of Houston public intoxication laws. It truly can happen to anyone.
Avoid the potentially serious and long-term consequences of being found guilty of public intoxication in Houston. Call Cannon Law to schedule your initial consultation today.
What does it mean to be charged with public intoxication in Houston?
Under Texas law, intoxication can be defined as:
- having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; or
- not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body
The law specifically defines public intoxication as: “A person commits an offense if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another.”
As you can see, police officers can arrest nearly anyone for public intoxication in Houston, if that person has had a couple of drinks and is out on the town. There doesn’t have to be any proof that a danger exists; the officer only has to claim that he or she believed the person had the potential to endanger someone.
The ambiguity of the law has created a situation where nearly anyone could be charged with public intoxication in Houston while out enjoying themselves with friends over a few beers.
Don’t allow yourself to be bullied into pleading guilty to public intoxication in Houston.
A Houston public intoxication charge is a Class C misdemeanor. Being found guilty on a first offense can result in a fine of up to $500.
Since that’s a relatively low fine, and it can feel embarrassing to be charged with such a crime, many people just plead guilty and pay the fine, without understanding the true repercussions.
Even though it’s a misdemeanor, a guilty plea will still saddle you with a criminal record for the rest of your life. The next time you apply for a job or an apartment or require a background check of any sort, the public intoxication charges will show up. It could lead to embarrassing or invasive questions about your lifestyle and alcohol consumption. Even a misdemeanor criminal record could have an effect on your future by limiting your job prospects or housing options.
If you’ve never faced criminal charges before, the entire process can be scary and overwhelming, which leads many people to plead guilty before they understand all the facts. The court system is not easy to understand or navigate for the average person. An attorney experienced in public intoxication defense in Houston can guide you through the process, clearly explain all of your options, and help to ensure your rights are protected.
Though no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome on any case, an attorney experienced in public intoxication cases can strategize the right defense for your case and give you the best chance for a not guilty verdict.
Cannon Law is your resource for an experienced Houston public intoxication attorney.
Being charged with public intoxication in Houston is something that can happen to anyone. With her years of experience as Houston public intoxication attorney, Alli Cannon can guide you through the entire process and will provide you with personalized, one-on-one attention throughout your case.
She is state bar-certified and works extensively with clients accused of alcohol and drug-related offenses. She is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyer Association and the National College for DUI Defense.
If you’ve been charged with public intoxication in Houston, you can reach Cannon Law anytime, day or night. Her office provides 24/7 service to clients charged with any DWI or alcohol-related offense. Call today for your consultation and let Cannon Law help you with your Houston public intoxication case.
Understanding these issues and explaining them to a jury can be vital to your case. Contact Cannon Law today to start preparing your best legal defense in your case
Getting a DWI was out of character for me - I made a terrible decision the night I decided to drive. Alli discussed my case with me at length, and reassured me that everything was going to be okay. She is knowledgeable of the law, and a fierce fighter in court. You most definitely want this Cannon in your corner.
- Lance K.
