Drunk in Public in Manassas
September 9, 2017 by Jean Humbrecht
Many people mistakenly think that because it is not punished with jail, being drunk in public in Manassas is not a crime. 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 Drunk in Public charge in Manassas (Prince William County Code §16-14) criminalizes being drunk or intoxicated in public.
A person is intoxicated when he has consumed enough intoxicants (alcohol or drugs) to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
A Manassas Drunk in Public Charge is a Crime
The term public in the Manassas Drunk in Public statute is interpreted broadly and includes places visible to the public, including someone’s own property.
An offender accused of being drunk 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.
Click here for more information on a Virginia Drunk in Public charge under Va. Code §18.2-388.
Penalty for Being Drunk in Public in Manassas
A Manassas Drunk in Public charge under Prince William County Code §16-14 is a crime. It is a Class 4 misdemeanor and is punished with a fine up to $250. The offender can pre-pay the fine, avoiding the need to go to court. However, pre-paying the fine is an admission of guilt and will result in a conviction which will give the offender a permanent criminal record.
Additionally, a conviction will bar the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has one, he must surrender it.
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