Do I Have to Go to Court for a Public Intoxication Charge in Virginia?
August 14, 2015 by Jean Humbrecht
When someone is charged with a crime in Virginia, he usually is required to appear in court. Failure to appear in court after being charged with a crime could result in additional criminal charges. However, some offenses in Virginia are pre-payable, which means that the offender can pre-pay the fine without having to go to court. If you are wondering, do I have to go to court for a Public Intoxication charge in Virginia, read the post below.
Virginia Public Intoxication Charge
Do I Have To Go To Court For A Public Intoxication Charge in Virginia?
A Virginia Public Intoxication charge (Va. Code §18.2-388) criminalizes being intoxicated in public. Intoxication can be caused by alcohol, drugs, or even medication.
Click here for more information on the meaning of “intoxication” in Virginia.
Click here for more information on what is considered “public” for purposes of a Virginia Public Intoxication charge.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Public Intoxication Charge in Virginia?
A Virginia Public Intoxication charge under Va. Code §18.2-388 is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250. The fine for a Virginia Public Intoxication charge can be pre-paid without having to go to court.
However, pre-paying the fine is admitting guilt and will result in a criminal conviction on the offender’s permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.
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