Disorderly Intoxication

Football games, house parties, and outdoor festivals are just a few of the many ways that people enjoy spending their time with friends. These types of events often involve alcohol and excited audiences or partiers. The scene can be loud, and when intoxicated individuals leave the grounds, they may not realize that they are expected to tone down their revelry in public. Those who drink and then disregard the public safety and peace, even unintentionally, may find themselves arrested for disorderly intoxication.

Under Florida law, disorderly intoxication occurs whenever an individual who has been drinking either 1) puts a person or property in danger or 2) causes a disturbance in a public place or on public transportation. This law may be loosely or strictly enforced depending on the officers on duty. For example, rowdy intoxicated fans who leave a sporting event and shout at one another or start a fight, even as a joke, may be arrested.

A first offense for disorderly intoxication is charged as a second degree misdemeanor in Florida. If convicted, the punishment may include a maximum 60 day jail sentence and up to $500 in fines. Citizens who are normally well-behaved and mean no harm may find themselves facing criminal punishment and a criminal record.

If you have been arrested for disorderly intoxication, consider talking with a criminal defense lawyer about your case immediately. Sometimes a disorderly intoxication charge infringes on the right to free speech or may otherwise be determined to be a wrongful charge.

Don’t plead guilty to any crime if you believe that you have been wrongfully arrested or charged. Your disorderly intoxication charge may be reduced or thrown out if there is not sufficient evidence to prove that you were disturbing the peace or endangering others.

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To learn more about preparing your defense for court, please contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.