Austin's political party scene is the downtown Sixth Street area. 6th Street is made of bars, restaurants, and several other music venues. Right next to these several bars is a unique little courtroom chosen the Downtown Austin Community Courtroom. If y'all go arrested for public intoxication (or any class C misdemeanor) in the Sixth Street area the odds are pretty practiced that'south where you lot'll wind upwardly.

Most offenses I see around Sixth Street are public intoxication charges. You lot can commit the criminal offence of public intoxication if you are intoxicated to such a degree that you are a danger to yourself or others. It'south important to note that information technology's not against the law to exist intoxicated; information technology's just confronting the police force to be intoxicated to such a degree as to be a danger. Public Intoxication is a form C misdemeanor punishable by a fine simply of up to $500. If yous have ii prior convictions for public intoxication it's possible that you could exist charged with a class B public intoxication charge (which is punishable by jail time).

Public intoxication is not something that you desire permanently on your tape. Your goal should be to get it dismissed so that it can ultimately be expunged. Usually, the best way to attain this is through a deferred disposition bargain. A deferral will result in your example being dismissed. You volition virtually likely have to pay a fine of around $150, perform eight hours of community service, and nourish a public intoxication class.

How the Public Intoxication Deferral Process Works

If y'all were arrested for public intoxication within the jurisdiction of the Downtown Austin Community Court (i.e. the Sixth Street surface area), you will be magistrate by Estimate Michael Coffey. Approximate Coffey is extremely dainty and off-white. He may not exist in the traditional blackness robe when y'all come across him, just he's still a approximate so remember to dress appropriately and be respectful. Judge Coffey volition usually go over your options then give you the opportunity of setting your case for trial, paying a fine and taking a confidence, or meeting with a prosecutor. Oft, it's best to meet with the prosecutor where she volition probably offer you a deferral.

In my experience every bit a prosecutor and defense chaser information technology's clear that public intoxication cases can be difficult for a prosecutor to testify. Frequently, defendants aren't passed out or throwing upwards; almost of the time they are simply in the incorrect place. Occasionally, I run across a instance where it's clear the client just mouthed off to officer—this is always a certain-fire way to become yourself arrested. Ninety pct of the time the officers never do any field sobriety tests. This often makes it hard for a prosecutor to secure a conviction. Bear in listen that if you were EXTREMELY intoxicated information technology will make the prosecutor's job much easier.

Having said all that, you lot e'er have the correct to rent an attorney. If y'all'd like to hire an attorney you will need to tell Judge Coffey and he will simply reset your instance so that you tin talk to one. Remember, while you do have the right to hire an attorney y'all do not accept the correct to take an attorney appointed to represent you.

Let Us Help You!

If you lot received a ticket for public intoxication in Austin, Texas (or any other class C offense) give us a telephone call and nosotros'll tell the best way to handle the thing.