There are many different ways that people can break the law with alcohol. Over-consumption, drinking before driving and misconduct while under the influence can all lead to criminal charges.
In some cases, people may also face criminal allegations related to intoxication in public. Public intoxication is a form of disorderly conduct that can result in criminal prosecution, especially in dry counties like Faulkner. While people in Faulkner County can’t buy alcohol at local stores or restaurants, they can buy it elsewhere to consume in a private location or return to Faulkner County under the influence after an outing to businesses with alcohol licenses elsewhere.
Those accused of public intoxication need to know what specific details about the circumstances justify criminal prosecution. Understanding the law can help defendants evaluate different defense strategies.
Impairment alone isn’t criminal
Contrary to what many people assume, public intoxication charges are not just the result of someone appearing mildly inebriated in public. Instead, the person accused of public intoxication must generally become a nuisance or menace to others.
Maybe they engage in behavior that seems likely to cause substantial property damage. Perhaps they’re aggressive or inappropriate behavior makes them a significant nuisance to others. In cases where the conduct of an impaired individual disrupts the public peace, police officers can arrest them for their conduct.
Fighting public intoxication charges requires an understanding of the law and a careful evaluation of the situation. Working with a lawyer who has experience navigating alcohol-related disorderly conduct charges in Faulkner County can help people avoid long-term consequences for drinking at a social gathering or restaurant in another county.