Charleston Public Intoxication Attorney
Public intoxication and disorderly conduct usually go hand in hand. In South Caroline, the same law that applies to disorderly conduct also applies to public intoxication. And, anyone who is grossly intoxicated or even acts as if they are in public, can be charged with public disorderly conduct. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct or public intoxication, you should seek the legal assistance of a public intoxication attorney in Charleston, SC to help with your case. Sahn Law Firm – Attorneys at Law, have helped many who have been charged with public intoxication get their penalties reduced or dropped.
Section 16-17-530 of the South Carolina Code of Laws describes gross intoxication in public and disorderly conduct as the following:
A person who is:
- found on any highway or at any public place or public gathering in a grossly intoxicated condition or otherwise conducts himself in a disorderly or boisterous manner;
- uses obscene or profane language on any highway or at any public place or gathering or in hearing distance of any schoolhouse or church; or
- while under the influence or feigning to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor, without just cause or excuse, discharges any gun, pistol, or other firearm while upon or within fifty yards of any public road or highway, except upon his own premises, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
It is important to note that just because a person is intoxicated in South Carolina, it does not automatically mean that they are guilty of public disorderly conduct. In order to be charged, a person must be “grossly” intoxicated in public as outlined under the South Carolina state code section 16-17-530.
However, in South Carolina, local cities and counties have ordinances where public intoxication can be considered illegal. In the city of Charleston, for example, under Section 21-163 of their code of ordinances, it states that a person should not “be intoxicated in a public place, whether such intoxication results from alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants.”
The law can be complex and confusing. That is one of the biggest reasons why it is important to enlist a public intoxication attorney in Charleston, SC if you have been charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct. Your public intoxication attorney in Charleston, SC will be able to determine how the law applies to your specific case and the best defense.
Penalties
Public intoxication and disorderly conduct, under South Carolina law, are misdemeanors. A person convicted of this charge will incur a fine of no more than $100 and serve no more than 30 days in jail. Even though misdemeanors are considered a lesser crime, it will still appear on a person’s criminal record. Having a criminal record can negatively impact a person’s life. It is expedient to talk to a professional public intoxication attorney in Charleston, SC as soon as possible if you have been charged.
Sahn Law Firm – Attorneys at Law, have years of experience defending their clients’ rights. Contact them today.
