California Penal Code 647(f) makes it a misdemeanor crime to be found in any public place under the influence of any liquor, drug or controlled substance if:
- (a) The person’s public intoxication makes him or her unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or the safety of others; or
- (b) By reason of the public intoxication, the person “interferes with or obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way.”
In referring to this crime, police, prosecutors and California criminal attorneys may interchangeably use the terms “Drunk in Public”, “DIP”, “Public Intoxication”, “Drunk and Disorderly”, “Being Intoxicated in a Public Place”, or “Under the Influence in Public”.
A conviction for Drunk in Public can trigger probation, fines and even incarceration.
Worse still, a conviction will go on one’s permanent criminal record, and can be seen by prospective employers and licensing agencies. Therefore, one would be well advised to do everything possible to avoid this conviction
If you have been charged with a PC647, contact the experienced Southern California criminal defense lawyers at Wallin and Klarich as soon as possible. Our attorneys have been defending the rights of those facing criminal charges in California for over 30 years, providing us with the resources and knowledge to obtain a successful outcome in any criminal case. Call Wallin and Klarich today at 888-280-6839 for a case evaluation