Public Intoxication Defense Attorney
What is Public Intoxication in Utah?
Under Utah Code Section 76-9-701(1), public intoxication involves allegations of unreasonably disturbing others while under the influence of alcohol or another illegal substance. This disturbance must be to a level that puts the person or others in danger. Public intoxication is charged as a Class C misdemeanor. For an individual under 21, these charges can lead to a suspension of the individual’s driver’s license. The prosecutor must be able to show that you were in an area where you unreasonably disturbed others, that you were under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, and that you were impaired to the point that you could have endangered yourself or another person.
Public intoxication is often charged against those coming from a social event, festival, wedding, ski trip, or even something like Sundance or Saltair. How will it be shown that you were intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance? Slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, and bloodshot eyes may be sufficient to prove impairment. However, the prosecution must clearly demonstrate that you also posed a clear danger to yourself or others based on specific facts. These charges require a zealous, professional Salt Lake City public intoxication lawyer from Conyers & Nix. We provide exceptional representation, fighting for our client’s best interests, no matter how challenging those may be.
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When a person is arrested for public intoxication in Utah, an officer can take them to jail if the police believe the individual should be in jail for their safety or the safety of others. An officer could also take the intoxicated person to a detox center. Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor in Utah, carrying a possible sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine of $750. If the individual is a minor, the consequences are more severe. The minor may lose their driver’s license or be prevented from obtaining a license for 1-2 years.
Those facing public intoxication charges may also be dealing with the court of public opinion. Friends, family members, co-workers, and future employers may be judgmental regarding the charges. If you can have the charges reduced or dismissed, your future will look much better than if you must deal with a conviction for public intoxication. It is important that you don’t attempt to face these charges alone—ending up in jail for a public intoxication charge is not something you want to deal with.
Penalties and Consequences for a Salt Lake City Public Intoxication Conviction
You may wonder whether you can go to jail if you are convicted of public intoxication. As an adult, you could face Class C misdemeanor charges. If convicted, you could face up to 90 days in jail, be ordered to pay a fine, and be sentenced to some form of community service. A minor charged with public intoxication as a first violation could be required to undergo an alcohol screening. This screening could result in educational classes and treatment.
A second charge of public intoxication for a minor could result in more severe penalties. Minors between the age of 18 and 21 could additionally face a driver’s license suspension for a year for a first offense. If the minor has not yet been issued a driver’s license, that license could be denied for one year. Second or subsequent charges of public intoxication for a minor can result in a license suspension for two years, or if the minor does not yet have a license, the license application for a learner’s permit or license could be denied for two years.
How Can You Get a Public Intoxication Charge Dismissed?
Being arrested for public intoxication in Utah can be an embarrassing and even a traumatic experience. A conviction for Salt Lake City public intoxication charges can result in an alcohol-related offense on your record that could affect your current and future employment opportunities, school admissions, federal student loans, and even the ability to rent an apartment. The best thing you can do following public intoxication charges is to be proactive.
This includes speaking to a knowledgeable Salt Lake City public intoxication defense attorney from Conyers & Nix. Several steps must be taken prior to your court date that will assist in the potential dismissal of your charges, and your attorney will begin dealing with these steps immediately. At Conyers & Nix, we never offer empty promises. Instead, we do the necessary work to defend your charges. If dismissal is possible, we will work diligently to make that happen.
How a Salt Lake City Public Intoxication Defense Attorney From Conyers & Nix Can Help You
If you are a resident of Salt Lake City choosing Conyers & Nix, you have chosen a firm with superior advocacy and professionalism. We offer exceptional representation by thoroughly examining all evidence and meticulous preparation in each case.
Even when fighting for our client’s best interests is challenging, we never give up, treating every client with respect and patience. At Conyers & Nix, we understand that criminal charges affect every aspect of your life. This means we represent our clients holistically, helping with expungements at the close of a case and working with social workers and treatment facilities when required. You have choices when hiring a Salt Lake City public intoxication defense attorney—we hope you will allow us to show you why we are your very best choice. Contact Conyers & Nix today!