Manassas Public Intoxication Law

Public Intoxication in Manassas is a Crime

The Manassas Public Intoxication law (Prince William County Code §16-14) criminalizes being intoxicated (or drunk) in public.

Manassas Public Intoxication Law

For purposes of a Manassas Public Intoxication charge, intoxication can be caused by alcohol or drugs-even a prescription.  A person is “intoxicated” when he has consumed enough intoxicants to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.

The term public includes places visible to the community or public, including someone’s own property.

An offender accused of public intoxication in Manassas can be charged with violating the Manassas Public Intoxication law under Prince William County code §16-14 or the Virginia Public Intoxication law under Va. Code §18.2-388.

Click here for more information on a Virginia Public Intoxication charge under Va. Code §18.2-388.

Penalty for Violating Manassas Public Intoxication Law

A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas under Prince William County Code §16-14 is a Class 4 misdemeanor and is punished with a fine up to $250.  The fine can be pre-paid without having to go to court.  However, pre-paying the fine is admitting guilt and will result in a conviction on the offender’s permanent criminal record that can never be expunged.

Additionally, a conviction for a Manassas Public Intoxication charge will bar the offender from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has one, he must surrender his permit when he is convicted.

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