Panama City DUI & Disorderly Intoxication Lawyer – The Morris Law Firm
If you have been arrested or charged with public intoxication, disorderly intoxication, or DUI in Panama City, Florida, it is essential to have an experienced Panama City DUI and criminal defense attorney on your side. Florida law treats alcohol-related offenses seriously, and choosing a skilled Panama City DUI lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
What Is Public Intoxication (Disorderly Intoxication) in Panama City, Florida?
When most people hear the term “public intoxication,” they may think of an individual drinking alcohol in public or stumbling down the street after having a little too much to drink. However, Florida has a more narrow definition of public intoxication for criminal purposes. The actual charge under Florida law is “disorderly intoxication,” which should apply to fewer individuals than simply being intoxicated on public property.
The two main situations in which disorderly intoxication charges may apply are as follows:
- When you are intoxicated and pose a risk to the safety of property or another person; or
- When you are drinking alcohol or are intoxicated in a public place and cause a public disturbance.
Merely drinking alcohol or being somewhat impaired by alcohol is not enough to constitute intoxication in Florida. Instead, intoxication is basically the equivalent of drunk and requires that the alcohol has caused a person to lose control of mental faculties, physical capabilities, or both.
Too often, individuals in Panama City Beach and Bay County are accused of disorderly intoxication when they were not actually intoxicated. Additionally, individuals can be wrongfully accused when they were intoxicated but did not cause a public disturbance nor posed a danger to anyone’s safety. In such cases, a qualified defense attorney can present evidence that the elements of disorderly intoxication are not met under the law.
What are the Penalties of Disorderly Intoxication in Panama City, Florida?
Florida prosecutors generally issue second degree misdemeanor charges for disorderly intoxication. This means that defendants may face penalties including a $500 fine, probation, and/or 60 days in jail. Additionally, having a conviction on your permanent criminal record can affect your future educational opportunities, job prospects, and much more. You may further face more serious penalties if you are ever again accused of an alcohol-related offense in the future. For these reasons and more, avoiding conviction is highly important whenever possible.
Contact an experienced Panama City criminal defense attorney for assistance
The penalties for any type of alcohol-related charge in Florida can be serious and public intoxication is no different. Anyone facing allegations of disorderly intoxication or any other type of charge related to drinking should not hesitate to call a criminal defense law firm in Panama City for help.
If you are facing public intoxication or DUI charges in Panama City, Bay County, or Northwest Florida, contact The Morris Law Firm today. Our experienced Panama City DUI lawyers can review your case, protect your rights, and build a strong defense. Call (850) 257-5680 now for a free consultation.
