Being Drunk in Public in Manassas is a Crime
September 10, 2018 by Jean Humbrecht
Is being drunk in public in Manassas a crime? Many people mistakenly believe that a Manassas Drunk in Public charge is not a crime because it is not punished with jail and the fine can be pre-paid without going to court. However, a Manassas Drunk in Public charge IS a crime and a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.
Manassas Drunk in Public Charge
A Manassas Drunk in Public charge criminalizes being intoxicated in public. It is usually charged as a violation of Va. Code §18.2-388, but Prince William County also has it’s own county code version under §16-14. Both laws criminalize being drunk or intoxicated in public, whether the person is intoxicated from alcohol or drugs-even a valid prescription.
Being Drunk in Public in Manassas is a Crime
A person is intoxicated in Virginia when he has consumed enough intoxicants to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
The term public has a broad definition in Virginia and includes places open and visible to the community or public. As a result, a person can be convicted of being Drunk in Public in Manassas if he is drunk or intoxicated on his own property if it is visible to the public.
A Manassas Drunk in Public Charge is a Crime
A Manassas Drunk in Public charge is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250. The fine can be pre-paid, but pre-paying the fine is an admission of guilt which will result in a conviction. Convictions in Virginia remain on the offender’s permanent criminal record and can never be expunged.
A Manassas Drunk in Public charge is not punished with any jail time, but the accused can still be taken to the local jail and held until he is no longer drunk or intoxicated.
Additionally, a conviction will prohibit the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years.
Click here for more information on a Manassas Drunk in Public charge.
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