Is Being Drunk in Public a Crime in Fairfax?

A Fairfax Drunk in Public Charge is a Crime

Is being drunk in public a crime in Fairfax?  Because it is not punished with jail time and the fine can be pre-paid, many people think that a Fairfax Drunk in Public charge is not a crime.  However, it IS a crime and a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.

Fairfax Drunk in Public Charge

A Fairfax Drunk in Public charge (Fairfax County Code §5-1-1) prohibits being intoxicated in public.

For purposes of this statute, intoxication is caused by alcohol consumption-not drugs.  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.  As a result, a person can be convicted of a Fairfax Drunk in Public charge if he is intoxicated on his own property.

Is Being Drunk in Public a Crime in Fairfax?

A Fairfax Drunk in Public charge (Fairfax County Code §5-1-1) is a Class 4 misdemeanor.  It is not punished with jail time, but a fine up to $250.  The fine can be pre-paid, avoiding the need to go to court.  However, pre-paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will result in a conviction that will remain on the offender’s permanent criminal record and can never be expunged.

A conviction for a Fairfax Drunk in Public charge will also bar the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has one, it must be forfeited.

Click here for more information on a Fairfax Drunk in Public charge.

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