Public Intoxication in Austin
Public Texas Penal Code Section 49.02 classifies Public Intoxication as a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00, and a permanent criminal conviction. After two convictions, repeat offenders can be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor, facing up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000.00 fine.
- How serious is a Public Intoxication charge in Travis County? Public Intoxication charges are very serious. They are easy to get, and if handled incorrectly, impossible to get rid of. Paying the citation will result in a permanent criminal conviction.
- Does a Public Intoxication Show on background check? Yes. Public Intoxication charges appear on background checks. If you have been charged with Public Intoxication it is critical to get the charge dismissed. Otherwise, it can permanently appear on background checks, negatively impacting job opportunities and advancement. It can also be used against you in future criminal proceedings.
What is Public Intoxication in Texas?
Under Texas law, a person commits the offense of Public Intoxication if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another.
- What is the definition of ‘Intoxication’ in Texas? Intoxication is defined in Texas as having lost the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body.
- What is the definition of ‘Public Place’ in Texas? Public Place is defined in Texas as any place where members of the public have access. This definition includes, but is not limited to, public streets, highways, parking lots, bars, and private property. You can even be charged with Public Intoxication as a passenger in a vehicle. Learn more.
- What is the definition of ‘Danger to Self or Others’ in Texas? There is no definition. It is entirely subjective. Police officers can (and do) construe this to mean whatever they want it to mean.
Public Intoxication in Austin
Austin is the live music capital of the world. It’s a drinking town. Whether it’s a University of Texas tailgate, concert, business trip or family barbeque in the neighborhood, Public Intoxication is a very common crime in Travis County.
- What class misdemeanor is a Public Intoxication in Texas? Public Intoxication is a Class C Misdemeanor. First-time Public Intoxication charges come with fines of up to $500.00, and the potential of a permanent criminal conviction. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties.
- How long does a Public Intoxication stay on record in Texas? Criminal convictions are permanent in Texas. A Public Intoxication charge from Travis County or anywhere in Texas that is not dismissed will remain on the record forever. Charges like this can negatively affect security clearances, college admission, and student aid.
- Can you expunge a Public Intoxication in Travis County? After dismissal, a Public Intoxication charge will be eligible for an expunction in most Texas courts. This process deletes the arrest and charge from the record. Learn more.
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He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
WE FIGHT FOR DISMISSAL
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
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