# Houston Public Intoxication Lawyer | Proven Results **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Public Intoxication Attorney in Houston, TX 2. Understanding "PI" Charges 3. Public Intoxication & Texas Law 4. Criminal Penalties if Convicted 5. Arrested for Public Intoxication in Houston? ## Public Intoxication Attorney in Houston, TX If you were arrested for **public intoxication** in Houston, TX, then you’re well aware that it can be an embarrassing and scary experience. Often, the **Houston Police Department** will initiate an arrest based on the pretense that you “might” be intoxicated, when, in some cases, this is not the case. ## Understanding “PI” Charges **Did you know that a Houston Police Department officer can walk right into a bar and arrest on you the spot just for being a *lil’ tipsy?*** *This is a perfect example of how the odds are stacked against defendants in public intoxication cases and why accused parties always benefit from retaining counsel.* If you find yourself in this situation, contact our legal team by calling our law office at [281-280-0100](tel:281-280-0100). We’ll work with you to develop a strategy to beat the charge. Beating the charge is important because an arrest for public intoxication **creates the occurrence of an alcohol-related criminal offense on your background.** If you’re convicted of this type of criminal offense, it can affect your future in numerous ways. A public intoxication conviction could be a barrier should you seek higher education, career advancement, or the approval of lease agreements on certain rental properties. If you need help mitigating the damages that a public intoxication charge can foist on you, we’re ready to help. For a free legal consultation with a public intoxication lawyer serving Houston, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today ## Public Intoxication & Texas Law ### Definitions As outlined by [Texas law](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.49.htm), a person commits the crime of **Public Intoxication** by being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other devices while in a public place. The defining standard of public intoxication is when a person is intoxicated to the point where they represent a danger to the public or themselves. The **State of Texas** feels this legal standard gives them a way of *protecting you from yourself*. Some examples of this concept include the following; - a person that is intoxicated in public is likely to be robbed, - an intoxicated person puts themselves and the public at risk of serious injury, - a person who is publicly intoxicated that happens to be a motorist, are likely to commit a DWI offense, - a person who is a passenger of a motorist, who has become publicly intoxicated, is at risk, - a person who is publicly intoxicated may start a bar fight; Moreover, this is the **State of Texas** *protecting you* from yourself. ## Criminal Penalties if Convicted The offense of public intoxication is generally classified as a Class C Misdemeanor. If convicted, the penalty for a Class C Misdemeanor is a fine of up to $500. Once an individual is arrested for public intoxication in Houston, Harris County, Texas, they’ll have to spend at least 6 to 8 hours in jail or the care of a sobering center. ![Houston Public Intoxication Lawyer](https://houstondwi.guru/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Houston-DWI-Attorney-Tad-Nelson-150x150.jpg) Attorney Tad A. Nelson The police officer has the option of issuing the suspect a ticket (a citation) and releasing them to the custody of another adult who will take guardianship over them while they’re in their current condition. They’ll be required to appear in court and will benefit by hiring a [DWI defense attorney in Houston](https://tadlaw.com/) to provide legal defense services and help to **keep their record clear of alcohol-related offenses**. Houston Public Intoxication Lawyer Near Me [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) ## Arrested for Public Intoxication in Houston? ### Call On Attorney Tad Nelson For Help! **The decision** to plead guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere, or to seek deferred adjudication, should be discussed with a DWI or PI lawyer. Preferably one with experience crafting legal strategies based on the specific situation of the person accused as opposed to a cookie cutter approach. Since 1995 Attorney Tad A. Nelson has fought on behalf of the accused and has developed a winning record in DWI and PI cases. We’re here for you. You can reach Attorney Tad A. Nelson by calling **[281-280-0100](tel:281-280-0100)**, or by [clicking here](https://houstondwi.guru/contact/) to send us a message. Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started Houston Criminal Defense Blog Posts: [New Test Flags Underage Drinking Risk Criminal Defense Texas readers may be interested to learn that researchers have developed a new personality-based aimed at identifying kids at high risk for...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/new-test-flags-underage-drinking-risk/) [Why Hire a Board Certified Attorney? Criminal Defense Why hire a Board Certified Attorney? Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992 Board certification is a distinction held by less than...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/why-hire-a-board-certified-attorney/) [Texas Expands the Legal Definition of Stalking Criminal Defense Definition of ‘Stalking’ Expanded in Texas Texas law treats domestic violence as a serious crime. All reported acts of domestic abuse –...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-expands-the-legal-definition-of-stalking/) [Unpaid Red Light Fines and Vehicle Registration Criminal Defense Despite Notices, Harris County Will Not Prevent Vehicle Registration for Unpaid Red Light Camera Fines Harris County officials stated that outstanding citations...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/unpaid-red-light-fines-and-vehicle-registration/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/public-intoxication-lawyer/