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Beating Philadelphia Public Intoxication Charges
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Beating Public Intoxication Charges in Philadelphia
Dealing with public intoxication charges in Philadelphia can be stressful. But with the right legal strategy, these charges can often be reduced or even dismissed. This article provides an overview of public intoxication laws in Philadelphia and strategies for fighting these charges.
Philadelphia Public Intoxication Laws
Philadelphia has strict public intoxication laws. You can face charges if police find you visibly drunk in public areas like sidewalks, parks, or businesses.The specifics of public intoxication charges vary case by case. But possible penalties often include fines up to $500 plus mandatory alcohol education classes or community service. So it‘s important to fight these charges with an experienced lawyer.
Fighting Public Intoxication Charges
Here are some of the most effective legal defenses against public intoxication charges:
You Weren’t Actually Intoxicated
The first line of defense is to challenge whether you were truly intoxicated. The legal limit for public intoxication is lower than driving drunk. But if your balance, speech, and coordination seemed relatively normal, this can show the charges are unfounded.Your lawyer can argue there’s reasonable doubt you were intoxicated enough to warrant charges. Eyewitness testimony, videos, or sobriety test results can back up this defense.
The Area Doesn’t Qualify as “Public”
Pennsylvania public intoxication laws apply specifically to “public places.” So another defense is to argue the area doesn’t qualify as public.For example, if you were arrested in a private business or the hallway of an apartment building, your lawyer can potentially dispute whether that constitutes a public area under the law.
Your Rights Were Violated
There are strict procedures police must follow for public intoxication arrests. If these procedures weren’t properly handled, any evidence against you may get thrown out.For example, if you weren‘t read your Miranda rights or there were issues with sobriety testing methods, your lawyer can argue this violates your rights. Getting charges dismissed on constitutional grounds is one of the strongest defenses.
Working with a Lawyer
As you can see, there are viable defenses against public intoxication charges. An experienced criminal lawyer knows how to leverage these technicalities and arguments for the best resolution.They can also negotiate alternatives like reduced fines, community service instead of classes, or avoiding a permanent public record of the charges. So don’t just plead guilty – fight your public intoxication charges with legal representation.