Why Was I Arrested for Drunk in Public in Manassas?

Why Was I Arrested for Drunk in Public in Manassas?

Many people are surprised to learn that even though it is not punished with any jail time, an offender will be taken into custody when he has been charged with being Drunk in Public in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-388 or Prince William County Code §16-14.  If you have been wondering, why was I arrested for Drunk in Public in Manassas, read the post below.

Drunk in Public Charge in Manassas

A Drunk in Public charge in Manassas criminalizes being drunk or intoxicated in public.  A person is intoxicated in Manassas when he has consumed enough alcohol or drugs to observably affect his manner, speech, disposition, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.  The word public is interpreted broadly and includes places visible to the public.  This means a person can be convicted of being drunk in public on his own property in Manassas.

Penalty for Being Drunk in Public in Manassas

A Manassas Drunk in Public charge is a Class 4 misdemeanor.  It is punished with a fine up to $250 and the offender will be prohibited from obtaining a concealed carry permit for three years.  A conviction for a Manassas Drunk in Public charge will remain on the offender’s permanent criminal record and cannot be expunged.

Why Was I Arrested for Drunk in Public in Manassas?

In Manassas, if police officers have probable cause to believe that a person committed a misdemeanor in their presence, they can arrest that person without a warrant.  Most of the time, and in cases in which the offense is not punished with any jail time, the officers are required to issue a summons and release the person.  However, when a person is charged with being Drunk in Public in Manassas (and in a few other circumstances), the officer will not release the person from custody.  The person will be taken before a magistrate to determine if probable cause exists to charge the person with being Drunk in Public in Manassas, and if so, he will be held in jail until he has sobered up.

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