Houston Public Intoxication Lawyers

HOUSTON PUBLIC INTOXICATION LAWYERS

Trey Porter Law defends people arrested for Public Intoxication in Houston and Harris County. Every case is different, but the firm’s goal is the same: dismissal.

With over 40 years of combined courtroom experience, the firm has successfully protected students, professionals, and service members from the lasting consequences of a conviction. Backed by a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating based on attorney and judge endorsements, client feedback, and proven results, Trey Porter Law delivers trusted representation when reputations and futures are at stake.

WHAT IS PUBLIC INTOXICATION IN TEXAS?

Texas Penal Code § 49.02 defines Public Intoxication as follows:

A person commits the offense if they appear in a public place.
They must be intoxicated to the degree that they may endanger themselves or another person.
Public Intoxication is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

A conviction still results in a permanent criminal record that will show up on background checks forever. Public Intoxication is more than a ticket – don’t plead guilty.

ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION IN HOUSTON?

Public Intoxication arrests in Houston and across Harris County are totally subjective, discretionary, and often weak decisions made by Houston police in the heat of the moment, without an arrest warrant, and oftentimes lacking basic probable cause.

Police frequently patrol Montrose, Washington Avenue, Midtown, and The Heights, where bars and late-night venues draw large crowds. Arrests also spike at ballparks and arenas, including Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, during – and especially after – games and concerts.

Students at Rice University and nearby campuses can also find themselves facing Public Intoxication charges after nights out in Houston’s popular districts.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION IN TEXAS?

Public Intoxication in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by:

A fine of up to $500
A permanent criminal record if convicted
Possible difficulty with employment, housing, or professional licensing due to background checks

Although jail time is not a standard punishment, individuals are often taken into custody until sober. For students and professionals, even a minor record can create major consequences.

For more detailed information about Class C misdemeanor penalties in Texas, see the FAQ Guide.

CAN A PUBLIC INTOXICATION CHARGE BE DISMISSED?

Yes, you can get a Public Intoxication charge dismissed in Houston.

Defense strategies often include proving the person was not actually intoxicated, challenging police observations, and showing there was no danger to themselves or others.

In cases where the evidence is strong for the State, Trey Porter Law leverages local insight into Houston courts to negotiate dismissals. When a dismissal is secured, clients can pursue expunction to permanently erase the record, ensuring it does not appear on future background checks.

HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS

Public Intoxication cases in Harris County are frequently filed in the Justice of the Peace Courts. Each Harris County JP precinct has two courts:

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1
7300 N. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77091
(713) 697-1224
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2
5300 Griggs Rd.
Houston, TX 77021
(713) 643-6581
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 1
10851 Scarsdale Blvd.
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 481-9630
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2
16603 Buccaneer Ln.
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 488-8780
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 1
701 W. Baker Rd.
Baytown, TX 77521
(281) 427-7449
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 2
14350 Wallisville Rd.
Houston, TX 77049
(713) 453-6985
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 1
6831 Cypresswood Dr.
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-3472
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2
16715 Clay Rd.
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 859-0685
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 1
6000 Chimney Rock Rd.
Houston, TX 77081
(832) 927-4540
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 2
16715 Clay Rd.
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 927-4950
Justice of the Peace Precinct 6, Place 1
5300 Griggs Rd.
Houston, TX 77021
(832) 927-5800
Justice of the Peace Precinct 6, Place 2
701 San Jacinto St.
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 927-5800
Justice of the Peace Precinct 7, Place 1
1721 Pech Rd.
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 956-5695
Justice of the Peace Precinct 7, Place 2
7300 N. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77091
(713) 697-1224
Justice of the Peace Precinct 8, Place 1
7330 Spencer Hwy.
Pasadena, TX 77505
(281) 479-6900
Justice of the Peace Precinct 8, Place 2
16603 Buccaneer Ln.
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 488-8780

HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURT

The Houston Municipal Courts handle thousands of misdemeanor cases every year, including Public Intoxication citations issued within city limits.

Houston Municipal Courts
1400 Lubbock St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 247-5464

Public Intoxication cases may also be filed in nearby municipal courts across Harris County, including Katy, West University Place, and La Porte. These local courts process hundreds of Public Intoxication cases annually, making experienced representation critical to securing dismissals and protecting records.

HOUSTON PUBLIC INTOXICATION ATTORNEYS

Trey Porter Law has a track-record of getting Public Intoxication cases dismissed. Defending people charged with Public Intoxication in Houston and across Texas, Trey Porter Law is trusted statewide and known locally in Harris County courts – from downtown Houston to municipal courts across the city – professionals, students, and service members that need real results choose Trey Porter Law.

Trey Porter is recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and backed by 700+ 5-star Google and Avvo reviews.

In Houston, the firm has defended people arrested in Montrose bars, Washington Avenue clubs, The Heights, Midtown, and even at major sports and music venues. From Rice University students to energy sector engineers, teachers, and medical professionals, Trey Porter Law delivers results that protect reputations, careers, and futures.

REVIEWED BY TREY PORTER, HOUSTON PUBLIC INTOXICATION LAWYER

Trey Porter is a Houston 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 Houston, and across Texas, including Galveston, Conroe, League City, Pearland, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Pasadena.

HOUSTON PUBLIC INTOXICATION LAWYERS