Intoxicated in Public in Manassas
April 22, 2016 by Jean Humbrecht
Many people mistakenly think that a Public Intoxication charge in Manassas is not a crime because it is not punished with jail time. However, a Manassas Public Intoxication charge is a crime and a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.
Public Intoxication in Manassas
A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas (Prince William County Code §16-14) criminalizes being drunk or intoxicated in public.
A person is intoxicated when he consumes enough intoxicants (alcohol or drugs) to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
The term public in the Manassas Public Intoxication statute is interpreted broadly and includes places open and visible to the public, including someone’s own property.
A Charge of Being Intoxicated in Public in Manassas is a Crime
An offender accused of being intoxicated in public in Manassas can be charged with violating Prince William County Code §16-14 or the Virginia Drunk in Public statute under Va. Code §18.2-388.
For more information on a Virginia Public Intoxication charge under Va. Code §18.2-388, click here.
Penalty for Being Intoxicated in Public in Manassas
A Manassas Public Intoxication charge under Prince William County Code §16-14 is a Class 4 misdemeanor and is punished with a fine up to $250. The offender can pre-pay the fine and avoid going to court. However, pre-paying the fine is an admitting guilt to the offense and will result in a conviction which will give the offender a permanent criminal record.
Additionally, a conviction for Public Intoxication in Manassas will bar the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has a concealed carry permit, he must surrender it.
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