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Public Intoxication Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation
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Philadelphia Public Intoxication Lawyer

Public Intoxication Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Striving to Reduce Disorderly Conduct Penalties Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Having a few drinks with friends at a local bar or restaurant to celebrate an important event or milestone usually ends without incident. However, at the Philadelphia Law Offices of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Philadelphia public intoxication attorneys are there for you when alcohol consumption and celebration combine and lead to public intoxication charges. Public intoxication, which is sometimes referred to as being drunk and disorderly, is a criminal offense punishable by fines that can be as high as $1,000 for the first offense. The penalties can pale in comparison to the embarrassment and humiliation associated with being forced to go to court to defend against the charges.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

    Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
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    They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
    “Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”
    - Former Client
    They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
    “I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”
    - Quiana
    The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
    “I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”
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A Case Review by Our Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys Matches the Government Allegations Against the Elements of The Actual Criminal Charges

Pennsylvania law is very specific in identifying the type of conduct that constitutes public intoxication. Prosecutors must prove each of the following elements of the crime in order to prove that you are guilty of public intoxication:

  • Being under the influence: The law requires proof that you were under the influence of unlawful drugs or alcohol when you were observed by the police. If you are under the influence of prescription medications, they could be considered illegal if you do not have a prescription from a doctor, or if you took them in a way that was not intended by your doctor. An example of this might be using pain medications to get high instead of to control pain.
  • Creating a disturbance: Being intoxicated is not, as a general rule, a criminal offense, but creating a disturbance or posing a risk to other people, or to the property of others might qualify as public intoxication.
  • Being in a public place: Public places include the streets and sidewalks, restaurants and other facilities to which the public is granted access. Being drunk in your own home and creating a disturbance might not be public intoxication because this final element of the offense is missing.

Unless prosecutors can prove each element of the offense, they may not be able to secure a conviction against you. It is our role as your dedicated attorneys to prepare a defense strategy that attacks the government’s case.

Innovative Philadelphia Criminal Attorneys Design Defense Strategies With Your Well-Being in Mind

Aggressively challenging the evidence prosecutors have against you is what sets our hardworking team of defense attorneys apart. As dedicated and relentless advocates, we know criminal prosecutions depend upon the evidence prosecutors have to support the allegations against you, and establishing weaknesses in that evidence can work to your advantage. A benefit of being represented by the premier Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the peace of mind of knowing that the person standing with you in court is devoted to passionately defend your rights, your freedom and your future.

Call Us When You Need a Tough Advocate on Your Side

When your reputation is on the line, you want an uncompromising and compassionate defender who is committed to providing you with the best legal representation. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our top-notch team of attorneys firmly believe that second best is never good enough. Call our Philadelphia public intoxication attorneys today at (215) 610-3440 to schedule a free initial consultation, or you can use our convenient online contact form.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen
From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Public Intoxication Charges in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

  • Public intoxication requires proof that a person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was in a public place, and created a disturbance or posed a danger to people or property. Simply being intoxicated is not enough to be convicted if the prosecution cannot establish all required elements.
  • Yes. If prescription drugs are used without a valid prescription or taken in a manner inconsistent with medical instructions, they may be treated as unlawful substances. If that use results in behavior that creates a disturbance in a public place, the individual may face a public intoxication charge.
  • A first offense can result in fines of up to $1,000. While jail time is not typical, the charge can still cause embarrassment, reputational harm, and court involvement. Penalties may increase with subsequent offenses or related conduct.
  • Defense strategies often focus on disputing one or more required elements. This may include showing that the defendant was not actually under the influence, that no disturbance occurred, or that the location was not legally considered a public place. Weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence can lead to reduced penalties or dismissal.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
    "He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
    "He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
    "I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
    "this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin

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    From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.

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    From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.

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    We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.

  • High-Caliber
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    Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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