Drunk and Disorderly Conduct is Not Funny When You are Facing Hefty Fines
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 & Lindheim, 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.
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 & Lindheim 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 & Lindheim, our top-notch team of attorneys firmly believe that second best is never good enough. Call our Philadelphia public intoxication attorneys today at (215) 486-0123 to schedule a free initial consultation, or you can use our convenient online contact form.
