What is Public Intoxication in Manassas?
December 16, 2018 by Jean Humbrecht
What is Public Intoxication in Manassas? Many people mistakenly think that because it is not punished with jail time, a Public Intoxication charge in Manassas is not a crime. If you have been wondering, what is Public Intoxication in Manassas, read the post below.
What is Public Intoxication in Manassas?
A Public Intoxication charge in Manassas (Prince William County Code §16-14) criminalizes being intoxicated (or drunk) in public.
A person is intoxicated when he has consumed enough intoxicants-alcohol, drugs, or both-to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
Public Intoxication in Manassas is a Crime
Public is interpreted broadly and includes places open and visible to the public, including a person’s own property.
A person accused of being intoxicated in public in Manassas can be charged with violating Prince William County Code §16-14 or the Virginia Public Intoxication statute under Va. Code §18.2-388.
For more information on a Virginia Public Intoxication charge (Va. Code §18.2-388), click here.
Penalty for Public Intoxication in Manassas
A Manassas Public Intoxication charge (Prince William County Code §16-14) is a crime. It is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punished with a fine up to $250. The offender can pre-pay the fine and avoid the having to go to court. However, paying the fine is admitting guilt and will result in a conviction on the person’s permanent criminal record.
Additionally, the offender will be prohibited from obtaining a concealed carry permit for 3 years and if he has one, he must surrender it when he is convicted.
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