Pleading Guilty to a Public Intoxication Charge in Texas

For someone who has been arrested in Austin for public intoxication, it may seem tempting to just plead "guilty," pay a fine and move on with life. After all, having to spend the night in the Austin Jail is something you want to forget, right? However, many people do not realize that taking this course of action can result in a conviction for public intoxication and that this decision can come back to haunt them.

Public intoxication is normally a "Class C Misdemeanor" which is punishable by up to a $500 fine. This assumes that the person is over 21 years of age and that this new arrest for public intoxication has not been enhanced. Unfortunately, not all Class C Misdemeanors are created equal, at least in the eyes of potential employers, admission's offices, apartment managers or loan officers. After all, if one or the other came up on a background check, which would you rather have? A Class C for Speeding or a Class C Public Intoxication? Most people would not want to have to explain the circumstances of the public intoxication conviction as opposed to a "speeding ticket."

It is also important to note that even if you have already plead guilty, paid a fine, etc. and been convicted for a public intoxication charge, it may be possible to withdraw the plea and get another chance at fighting the charge. However, these circumstances are very narrow and time sensitive.

If you have been arrested in Austin for public intoxication, contact Austin public intoxication lawyer Kevin Bennett. He can help you with all aspects of your case, including expunction.

If you are confused or unsure how to proceed, please call Attorney Kevin Bennett at (512) 476-4626. You may also contact us through email.