When it comes to the crime of being drunk in public, people are being arrested and put into custody for, basically, public intoxication, which is the same thing as being drunk in public.

A lot of times, the people are just having the people dry out because they're drunk, they're causing problems, they're picking fights, they're ruing business establishments by being drunk and not allowing people to enjoy a restaurant or any other location, so the police will come in and grab them and that Penal Code 647f charge is one that they can use for public intoxication and say, this person is so drunk in public that they cannot deal with being in society, so we're going to take them and put them into custody and deal with them.

Many of those cases have been filed, while others have not. It just depends on a host of different factors, like what the person did while they were drunk in public. One thing I've noticed is that the police will come to a party or some sort of club, and there's a big problem or disturbance involving a large group of people, and they'll tell everybody, ' Alright, everybody, get out of here, let's go, break it up. '

And those knuckleheads who can't listen to that and stay around and cause problems for the police and won't disburse, and the police know they're going to get called out again and have to deal with them – those people they'll just arrest and either get them for disturbing the police or they'll get them for this public intoxication/drunk in public charge.

Of course, there are those who are visibly intoxicated in public. They're staggering down the street, and the police come upon them, and they end up arresting them for being drunk in public. So, what factors cause a drunk in a public case to be filed?

Prior Criminal Record

Probably the person's criminal record, if they have any other alcohol-related offenses, also what they did when they were drunk in public. Someone who is just walking on the sidewalk, drunk in public, ends up getting arrested, which I don't see happening very often. Often, the police will let those go.

They may arrest them, but they'll later release them or send them to court. The prosecutors will review the case and decide – even though they could file charges for drunk in public or public intoxication in Los Angeles, they likely won't do so, and they'll give the person a break. It's important to note that the prosecutor's decision is not final, and with the right legal representation, you may be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome.

But if it becomes a pattern that keeps happening over and over again, then obviously, they're going to want to put you on probation. They're going to want to punish you. They're going to want to deter you from causing problems in public.

Another thing is that the police will also use violence against people because they're trying to disperse a crowd, they're trying to perform their duties, and someone is not listening, so they end up having to bump them on the head and arrest them. So, now they have to charge them with something.

Well, if that person is drunk and they were causing problems – public intoxication or drunk in public, then 647F is a good charge for them to throw on the person. They'll throw on a resisting arrest on their, disturbing the police. These are just charges that can be used to deal with or punish someone who is causing problems to the extent that law enforcement needs to intervene.

So, if you're charged with a drunk in public charge or public intoxication, don't face it alone. Give me a call. Come in, and we'll sit down so I can find out what happened. In many cases, even though charges may be filed against you, I can help mitigate them. It's essential to recognize that a public intoxication charge can have severe consequences, including fines, community service, and a criminal record.

This is why it's crucial to seek legal representation. With my expertise, we can navigate the legal process and potentially mitigate the charges, giving you the best chance for a favorable outcome.

Remember, there's always a way out. I can work out a resolution that allows you to avoid a conviction on your record and the stigma that comes with it. One effective strategy I've employed is to persuade prosecutors to permit the individual to attend NA or AA meetings. This not only shows the court that you are taking steps to address your behavior, but it can also lead to a dismissal of the case. If you receive that dismissal, then you're in business, and now you can move on with your life and be a little more cautious out there.

If you're facing a charge of public intoxication in any of the Los Angeles courthouses, don't hesitate to reach out. I have over [X years] of experience in handling public intoxication cases, and I've successfully helped numerous clients navigate this situation. I have the expertise to assist you, and I'm more than happy to help you.