Public Intoxication Defense Attorneys in Austin

Strong Defense Strategies for Any Criminal Charge

An arrest and conviction for public intoxication can impact your life in surprising ways. For some, it means risking the loss of their job. When so much is on the line for what might have first seemed like a “minimal” criminal offense, it makes sense to look for serious defense counsel.

With more than 200 years of combined practice experience, over 300 jury trials handled, and a success rate of about 95% (dismissal, acquittal, or charge reduction) in criminal-defense cases, Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is the serious criminal defense firm you need. Our Austin public intoxication lawyers know how to prepare strong defenses, and we know how prosecutors think, because we have former felony prosecutors and a former judge on our team.

We’re always ready to help. Call (512) 991-0576 to request an initial consultation now.

What is Public Intoxication?

Under Texas law, specifically Texas Penal Code § 49.02, a person commits the offense of public intoxication if they “appear in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another.” A “public place” includes any location to which the public has access, including premises licensed under the Alcoholic Beverage Code (bars, restaurants, etc.) and other common areas.

Public Intoxication Conviction Consequences

Public intoxication is technically a Class C misdemeanor, which means: 

• You could be fined $500 for the first offense.
• You could face jail time, especially if you have been convicted of an alcohol offense before.
• A conviction may show up on your record and can affect future employment, professional licensing, or subsequent legal matters.
• If you are under 21, the crime is punishable “in the same manner as if the minor committed an offense to which Section 106.071, Alcoholic Beverage Code.”

FAQ About Public Intoxication Charges

• What does ‘intoxicated to the degree that I may endanger myself or another’ mean?
  Under Texas law, “intoxicated” means not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because you introduced alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of substances, or any other substance into your body. It can also mean having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more. Therefore, you don’t always need a breath‐test reading to be charged with public intoxication. What matters is how your behavior and condition appear in public.
• Can I be charged while at a bar?
  Yes. A premises licensed under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code counts as a “public place,” so being intoxicated in such a venue could lead to a public intoxication charge.
• Is jail possible for this offense?
  In most cases, public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor that only brings a fine. However, for minors or certain repeat/related scenarios, consequences may escalate.
• What happens next when you are charged with public intoxication?
  After an arrest, you may face a booking, bail, court appearances, and a criminal record if convicted. You should speak with an attorney as soon as you can.

How We Can Help You Defend Yourself

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC in Austin, Texas, we bring a thorough understanding of how the prosecution builds cases. Our attorneys’ experience as former felony prosecutors and a former judge allows us to see angles of a case that many other law firms might miss. We apply that knowledge to defend you.

When working on a public intoxication case, we can help with:

• Early case review: We can review the arrest report, police video (if any), officer statements, and field sobriety test or other evidence to assess weaknesses.
• Legal element challenges: We can ask if you were in a place that a reasonable person would consider to be “in public.” We may question the legitimacy of the evidence and whether the arrest was made lawfully.
• Negotiations: If it makes sense based on the evidence, we can talk to you about negotiating a plea deal to reduce or dismiss the charge, which could protect your record and rights.
• Protecting your future: Because we understand how an alcohol‐related charge can ripple into other areas of your life, we can strategize your defense accordingly.

Begin Your Defense – Call Now

If you’ve been arrested for public intoxication in Austin, take action now. Reach out to us as soon as possible so we can begin reviewing your case and protecting your rights. The sooner we are involved, the more options we might have when preparing your defense, so don’t wait.

Call (512) 991-0576 to put our experience to good use for your public intoxication case.