Dismiss Your Case. Clear Your Record.
Trey Porter Law defends people accused of Public Intoxication in Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, South Padre Island, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, and across Cameron County. The firm has earned hundreds of five-star reviews from clients who praise clear communication, proven dismissals, and relentless advocacy.
Recognized statewide for results-driven defense strategies, Trey Porter is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
Most Public Intoxication arrests end with a night in jail or release to a sober adult. But the legal case does not end there. A court date is set in either a Justice of the Peace Court or a Municipal Court, depending on where the arrest happened. A conviction leaves a permanent record that shows up on every background check.
Yes. Dismissals are possible with an experienced defense lawyer who knows how to challenge the officer’s judgment, question the evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors. In Cameron County, prosecutors regularly work out resolutions before court if handled correctly.
Public Intoxication charges in Cameron County most often come from South Padre Island during spring break, Brownsville nightlife along the border, Harlingen bars and airport traffic, San Benito festivals, and Port Isabel boating and fishing events. Police, sheriff’s deputies, and Texas DPS troopers issue these arrests aggressively, and every one creates a permanent criminal record unless dismissed and expunged.
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.02, Public Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor. That means up to a $500 fine – but more importantly, a criminal record that can follow you for life if not erased.
Yes. Even though Public Intoxication is “just” a Class C misdemeanor, it creates a criminal record that can block jobs, housing, and travel. A lawyer can pursue dismissal, and after that, expunction to permanently delete the arrest.
More information about criminal records and expunction eligibility is available in the FAQ Guide.
A conviction is permanent. Unlike traffic tickets, a Public Intoxication conviction cannot be deferred or hidden without dismissal and expunction. Employers, schools, licensing boards, and immigration authorities all see the arrest. For young people, military members, and professionals, this can have devastating consequences.
Public Intoxication charges in Cameron County are frequently filed in Justice of the Peace Courts. Each Cameron County Justice of the Peace Court has its own rules, procedures, and prosecutors. Knowing where your case is filed – whether in Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, or Los Fresnos – is critical to building a strong defense and securing dismissal.
Public Intoxication arrests in Cameron County are often filed in local Municipal Courts. Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, South Padre Island, and other cities each operate their own Municipal Court system with unique filing procedures and hearing requirements. Identifying the correct court and understanding its process is essential to defending a Public Intoxication case and pursuing dismissal.
Public Intoxication cases across Cameron County are handled in Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts, each with unique procedures and prosecutors. Success depends on local knowledge and a dismissal-first strategy.
Trey Porter Law limits its caseload to fight strategically for the best results, pursuing dismissal first, then expunction to permanently erase the arrest. With hundreds of five-star client reviews and recognition from peers statewide, Trey Porter delivers proven results that protect records and reputations, giving people the chance to move forward with confidence when their future is on the line.
Trey Porter is a Brownsville Public Intoxication lawyer with over a decade of trial experience defending DWI, Public Intoxication, and select criminal charges. His practice focuses on protecting lives and livelihoods, fighting for dismissals, and clearing criminal records through expungement across Texas.
A member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense, Mr. Porter has been recognized for his courtroom advocacy and reputation for results. His legal insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, USA Today, and other national outlets.
Trey Porter Law represents people in Brownsville, and across Texas, including McAllen, South Padre Island, and Kingsville.
