If I got charged with public drunkenness in my own backyard, can I fight it or just plea guilty?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If I got charged with public drunkenness in my own backyard, can I fight it or just plea guilty?
Even after I asked the arresting officer to test me cause I was not drunk or buzzed at the time of the incident.
Asked on May 4, 2015 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
You have the right to contest any charge that you do not agree you are guilty of. You have some decent facts, namely that it wasn't a public place, but rather a private place. Also, if you have witnesses that will confirm that you were not drunk, then that would be a valuable part of your defense as well.
You can always try to represent yourself, but they have a saying about a "fool for a lawyer." You know the facts of your case. This is obviously personal to you-- as well it should be-- but you need someone that can help you deliver your mesage clearly. If you believe this charge is just truly wrong, invest in the time to visit with more than one attorney. Many offer free or inexpensive consultations....so it's just a matter of making the appointment. From there, pick the one that understands your case and is familiar with the jurisdiction where your case will be handled.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.