Greensburg, PA, draws considerable regional tourism and hosts a full calendar of events, games, productions, gatherings, and festivities. Whether you’re drawn to the arts, entertainment, or simply enjoying local offerings, Greensburg has much to recommend it. The local police, however, also issue plenty of public intoxication or public drunkenness citations, which come with significant challenges. If your good time crossed the line into public intoxication, or if the authorities allege that it did, our experienced Greensburg public intoxication lawyer, Andrew F. Skala, Esq., is well-prepared to help.
Public Drunkenness in Pennsylvania
Public drunkenness applies when an individual appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public, to the degree that they are any of the following:
- At risk of hurting themself or others.
- Likely to damage property.
- Annoying others in the vicinity.
While the first two are generally subjective, which means the police have to make a judgment call, the last one is not. If your loud and boisterous antics are annoying others in the area, you could be hit with a public intoxication charge. This is of special concern to the students at the local and surrounding colleges.
Being in a Public Place
For the charge of public drunkenness to apply, you must be in a public place, and the term public is defined broadly. As long as you are in an area that is usually accessible to the general public, the charge can apply. All the following are included:
- Sidewalks
- Streets and roadways
- Public parks
- Bars and restaurants
- Parking lots
- Public transit
It’s important to point out that when private property invites the public in, it also qualifies, which includes stores.
Being Intoxicated
In addition to being in a public place, your intoxication by either alcohol or drugs must be clear. Stumbling, slurring one’s speech, causing a commotion, presenting as a danger to others, or passing out are all common examples. In public intoxication cases, the police rely on their own subjective observations rather than on testing for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the way they would in a DUI case. There is no BAC threshold for public drunkenness charges in PA.
The Charge
The charge of public intoxication is a summary offense. While this is the lowest criminal charge level in Pennsylvania, it still packs a considerable punch. In fact, a first conviction carries a fine of up to $500, and a subsequent conviction carries a fine of up to $1,000. Court costs also apply.
While a first offense is unlikely to require jail time, it could, and a subsequent offense can carry up to 90 days behind bars. If you’ve been charged with public intoxication, you need skilled legal guidance in your corner.
Our Experienced Greensburg Public Intoxication Attorney Can Help
Andrew Skala at Andrew F. Skala, Esq. is our seasoned Greensburg public intoxication lawyer, and he is committed to building a strong defense in pursuit of an optimal case outcome on your behalf. For more information, please don’t delay contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 724-493-9044 today.