St. Petersburg Public Intoxication Lawyer

Being arrested for public intoxication can harm your finances, your freedom, and your reputation. You’ll need to protect yourself by contacting a St. Petersburg lawyer.

A night out on the town in St. Petersburg can often lead to alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, it can also lead to an arrest and criminal charges if an officer believes that you’re publicly intoxicated.

That can be a humiliating experience, especially if those charges don’t seem fair. That’s why it’s important to contact a St. Petersburg public intoxication lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys at Hersem Law understand that you’re in a difficult position, so we’ll help you fight back when your future is on the line.

Consequences and Penalties for Florida Convictions

A public intoxication conviction can hurt more than your pride. This type of arrest can leave you with high fines and possible imprisonment, so it’s important to know what you should expect before you accept any charges or choose how to plea.

Public intoxication is a second-degree misdemeanor. That means you could face up to sixty days in jail. When you have a job and a family to support, those two months can massively disrupt your life. You’ll also be expected to pay for fines that could add up to hundreds of dollars.

If you’ve had past public intoxication convictions, you could be labeled a habitual offender as well. That could mean time spent in a treatment facility, which can further disturb your life.

Defenses for Your Public Intoxication Case

Because the consequences can be so difficult to recover from, you’ll need to fight back against a public intoxication case with a St. Petersburg lawyer’s help. The best defense for you will depend on your case, though there are a few common defenses that may help get your case dismissed.

For example, you may argue that you weren’t on public property at the time of your arrest. If you’re on residential property, a police officer may not have grounds for an arrest. If you were at a friend’s party or a similar event, your defense may focus on that.

If you’re seeking to lower the charges against you, you may also argue that you weren’t a danger to public safety. If you weren’t posing a threat by harming another person or trying to drive, you may be able to show that you shouldn’t have been arrested.

Speak to a St. Petersburg Lawyer about Public Intoxication Cases

If you’re arrested for drunkenness in a public place, don’t accept the charges just because you had been drinking at the time. Seek out help defending your future and your image with the help of a lawyer from Hersem Law.

We understand how severe even a misdemeanor can be to your future, which is why you’ll need help fighting back. Take advantage of our free strategy sessions, and we’ll discuss what we can do for your case.

When you’re ready to begin, seek out a St. Petersburg public intoxication lawyer. Let us know how we can help by calling 813-251-7291 or by completing the following online form.