Do I Have to Go to Court for a Drunk in Public Charge in Virginia?
July 25, 2019 by Jean Humbrecht
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Drunk in Public Charge in Virginia?
Most of the time, when someone is charged with a crime in Virginia, he is required to appear in court. Failure to appear in court after being charged with a crime could result in additional charges. However, some offenses in Virginia are pre-payable, meaning an offender can pre-pay the fine without going to court. If you are wondering, do I have to go to court for a Drunk in Public charge in Virginia, read the post below.
Virginia Drunk in Public Charge
A Virginia Drunk in Public charge (Va. Code §18.2-388) criminalizes being drunk or intoxicated in public. Intoxication can be caused by alcohol or drugs-including a valid prescription.
For more information on what it means to be intoxicated in Virginia, click here.
For more information on what is considered “public” for purposes of a Virginia Drunk in Public charge, click here.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Drunk in Public Charge in Virginia?
A Virginia Drunk in Public charge under Va. Code §18.2-388 is a crime. It is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250. Because it is not punished with any jail time, the offender can actually pre-pay the fine for a Virginia Drunk in Public charge and does not need to appear in Court.
However, pre-paying the fine is an admission of guilt to the offense and will result in a criminal conviction on the offender’s permanent criminal record. Convictions in Virginia can never be expunged.
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