What canI do about being arrested for public intoxication?
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What canI do about being arrested for public intoxication?
I am 21 years old and I got a DUI when I was 18. I was put on probation until I turned 21. I am off probation now. A couple nights ago I was arrested for being drunk in public which I found unfair, especially for not doing anything and being the only ones approached out of lots of people. I was already sobering up and they just got me. I found them pretty racial as well and felt like they were even laughing while I was in the car handcuffed waiting. What can I do? I won’t get into more trouble with my license right?
Asked on August 16, 2011 California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In California, a public intoxication charge is a misdemeanor. Such a charge does not affect your ability to drive a motor vehicle since you were not charged with driving under the influence of a motor vehicle. Your probationary period from what you have written about your prior conviciton of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence has run its course so it appears that your recent arrest should not have any impact upon the probation that you were under.
In California, the penalty for a misdemeanor conviction is up to six (6) months in jail and/or a one-thousand ($1,000.00) fine.
In all likelihood if you plead guilty to the new offense, you will be fined around $500.00 and placed on probation for up to a year.
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