Public Intoxication Charge in Manassas

A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas under Prince William County Code §16-14 criminalizes being intoxicated (or drunk) in public.  Intoxication can be caused by alcohol or drugs-even prescription medication.

A person is intoxicated when he has consumed enough intoxicants to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.

The term public includes places open and visible to the public, including your own property.  As a result, a person can be convicted of a Public Intoxication charge in Manassas if he is intoxicated on his own property.

If a person is charged with Public Intoxication in Manassas, he can be charged under Prince William County Code §16-14 or the Virginia Public Intoxication statute (Va. Code §18.2-388).

For more information on a Virginia Public Intoxication charge under Va. Code §18.2-388, click here.

A Public Intoxication Charge in Manassas is a Crime

Penalty for a Public Intoxication Charge in Manassas

A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas (Prince William County Code §16-14 or Va. Code §18.2-388) is a crime.  It is not punished with any jail time, but the offender can be taken to the local jail and held until he has sobered up.

A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250.  The fine can be pre-paid, meaning the offender does not need to appear in court and contest the charge.  However, pre-paying the fine is treated as an admission of guilt and will result in a conviction on the offender’s permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.

Additionally, a conviction for a Public Intoxication charge in Manassas will bar the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has such a permit, he must forfeit it when he is convicted.

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