California Penal Code 647F
Are you facing charges for being drunk in public? Violation of California Penal Code Section 647F is a misdemeanor offense, but the penalties are burdensome. Those found guilty could be ordered to spend months in prison and pay a fine of up to $1,000. To find out what penalties you may face for your offense, call or fill out our contact form to speak with a skilled drunk in public attorney for free.
What is Penal Code 647 F?
Intoxication is defined as anyone who is drunk in public and obstructs the safety of themselves or others. Another popular acronym for California Penal Code 647F is DIP.
In order to prosecute a drunk in public penal code violation, the state will need to be prepared to provide evidence that you:
- Were deliberately under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public
- drunk in public and prohibiting the safety of yourself and others
- under the influence of drugs and alcohol and caused a block on public sidewalks or roadways
The following could be considered an example of a drunk in public violation:
Fred was at a beach party drinking heavily with friends. Suddenly, the homeowner begins yelling at everyone to get out and Fred and his friends end up walking down the street. It is 11pm at night and everyone is talking and laughing loudly. Fred starts to cross a busy street when something falls out of his pocket. Since Fred is quite intoxicated, he stumbles around trying to pick up what he has lost, but has a lot of trouble doing so. During this time he has been blocking the intersection, and several cars have begun to honk. A policeman notices Fred, pulls him off of the road, takes him to the station, and cites him for being drunk in public.
What are the Penalties for PC 647f?
Being Drunk in Public is a misdemeanor, and those found guilty may face:
- Up to 6 months in the Orange County Jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Probation
- Counseling
Other Potential Penalties
Fines increase with each repeat offense. Also, an arrest will stay on one’s criminal record, which could affect job searches, among other things.
Drunk In Public Defense
If you are facing being drunk in public conduct charges for Penal Code 647F, you may have several options available to take advantage of. Call us at (844) 285-9559 today to find out how our attorneys can help you make informed decisions moving forward.