California Public Intoxication Lawyers Explain California Penal Code 647(f)

Public Intoxication Overview – California Penal Code 647(f)

If you or someone you know has been charged with public intoxication in California, you should not take these charges lightly. The jail time, fines and mandatory alcohol programs subsequent to the conviction of this crime are hefty and could place a heavy burden on your future. Like many criminal offenders, it can often be difficult to keep a job, let alone get a new job once you are convicted of this crime. If you are facing such charges, do not hesitate to hire an experienced public intoxication lawyer immediately. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you get the fair treatment that you deserve.

At Wallin and Klarich, our public intoxication lawyers have been representing offenders of this crime successfully for over 40 years. Our skilled attorneys will ensure that you are properly treated by the justice system and will dedicate all of their time and energy in pursuance of the best possible outcome for your criminal case. We currently hold offices in Orange CountyLos AngelesSan DiegoRiversideSan Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville.

Read on to learn more about this crime and do not hesitate to call us so that we can get started immediately in preparation of your case. Your future depends on it.

What Does Public Intoxication Mean?

Under California Penal Code Section 647(f)1, public intoxication is a public offense known as disorderly conduct. It is unlawful for a person to be under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drug, controlled substance or toluene in a public place if he or she is unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or the safety of others, or when a person under the influence interferes with or obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way. This crime is commonly known as being “drunk in public.”

A controlled substance refers to any drug regulated by the government, either prescription medication: Vicodin, for example; or an illegal drug such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or marijuana. A toluene is an inhalant, such as any glue, Dust-Off, or nitrous oxide, and is breathed, or commonly referred to as “huffing.”

Prosecution for a charge of public intoxication

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Prosecution for public intoxication

In order to convict you of public intoxication, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. You were under the influence of alcohol, any drug  and/or an inhalant, and
  2. You were in a public place, and
  3. You were unable to exercise care for your safety or for the safety of someone else, or
  4. You interfered with, obstructed or prevented the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way.

Defenses to a charge of public intoxication

There are a number of defenses that a California criminal defense lawyer at Wallin & Klarich can raise on your behalf. Your attorney can argue:

  1. You were not willfully intoxicated
  2. You were not in a public place
  3. You were not a public safety risk
  4. You did not interfere with, obstruct or prevent the free use of a public way.

Each of these defenses can be raised depending upon the facts of your individual case. Be sure to consult a knowledgeable public intoxication lawyer at Wallin & Klarich to learn more.

Public intoxication sentencing and punishment

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Sentencing and Punishment

The penalty in California for a disorderly conduct conviction under PC 647(f) is up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1000.00. If the circumstances are serious and/or you are a repeat offender, a conviction can result in considerable punishment of jail time, probation, attendance at self-help meetings and/or community service.

Under California PC 647(g), if you are detained for being drunk in public, you may be placed in civil protective custody while you “sober up” and you could avoid criminal prosecution, unless:

  1. You were under the influence of any drug, or a combination of alcohol and drugs.
  2. A peace officer has probable cause to believe you committed any felony or other misdemeanor in addition to being under the influence.
  3. A peace officer in good faith believes you would attempt escape or will be unreasonably difficult for medical personnel to control.

If you are under age 21, and you are convicted for public intoxication, you can also lose your driver’s license for one year (California Vehicle Code Section 13202.52). If you do not have a driver’s license, the court will order the Department of Motor Vehicles to delay issuing you a driver’s license for one year subsequent to the time you become legally eligible to drive.

Some Southern California communities have passed “Social Host” ordinances, making it a misdemeanor crime, punishable by a $1000.00 fine, for anyone 21 years or older to permit underage drinking in certain situations. Additionally, you may be held liable in a civil lawsuit in the event an underage drinker causes injury to a third party.

Public intoxication FAQ’s

To help you understand the various aspects of a public intoxication (PC 647(f)) charge, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich of Southern California have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in our FAQ section. There, you can find answers to questions like:

  • Will I be arrested if I am found to be drunk in public?
  • Is public intoxication punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony?
  • Can I be charged with public intoxication if I am sitting in a parked car?
  • What happens if I am under 21 years old and I am charged with public intoxication?

 Contact Our Public Intoxication Lawyers at Wallin and Klarich Today

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Contact public intoxication lawyers at Wallin & Klarich today

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for violation of California Penal Code 647(f), it is imperative that you contact an experienced public intoxication lawyer who is familiar with disorderly conduct cases. With offices in  Orange CountyLos AngelesSan DiegoRiversideSan Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, Wallin & Klarich has successfully represented clients facing public intoxication charges for over 40 years. We have the knowledge and the experience to help you win your case.

Call today at 877-4-NO-JAIL or fill out our confidential form. We will be there when you call.


All of the information provided on this page was retrieved from the following sources:

1. California Penal Code Section 647: http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/647.html


Disclaimer: The Law offices of Wallin and Klarich and our attorneys serve clients for legal matters in Southern California locations only. Our experience limits us to provide expert legal services to prospective clients who reside or hold cases in or nearby the following areas/counties: Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina, and Victorville. Our firm does not have jurisdiction to serve clients outside of California, nor areas outside of the above mentioned locations. All prospective clients outside of these locations will be referred out to our legal sources. The Law offices of Wallin and Klarich handle only criminal and family matters. Any civil, corporate, immigration, personal injury or any other legal matter that does not constitute criminal or family law matters will not be considered. All non-criminal and non-family law matters will be referred out to our professional legal sources.

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