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Do I need a lawyer for a simple public intoxication charge?
Question:
Do I need a lawyer for a simple public intoxication charge?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Public intoxication is usually a relatively minor criminal charge. Most often, you will face probation, community service, fines or other non-jail penalties. If you find yourself charged with public intoxication, when you consider the relative lack of severity of the penalties, you may wonder whether you actually need to hire a lawyer or not.
The reality is, however, that public intoxication is still a criminal charge. You could end up with a criminal record, which could have consequences on your life later on if it shows up on a background check. The criminal record could also be an aggravating factor if you ever face criminal charges in the future. Furthermore, in some instances, you may have a small jail sentence associated with public intoxication. This means the charge may not be as minor as you thought.
In fact, whenever you are arrested, it is a good idea to have a lawyer, and being arrested for public intoxication is no different. A lawyer can help you navigate through the legal system, explore your options for either arranging a plea bargain or defending yourself, and otherwise help you to minimize the impact that the charges will have on your life.
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