Make A Great Impression In The Courtroom

Beyond DUI: Other Examples Of Alcohol-Related Criminal Charges

2 February 2017 by Richard Ramirez

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the well-understood alcohol-related crimes. However, that isn't the only crime associated with alcohol. Here are other crimes that you should be aware of if you drink alcohol:

Public Intoxication

You can be charged with public intoxication if you are visibly drunk in public. For you to be convicted, many jurisdictions will require the prosecutor to prove that you appeared unable to take care of yourself, you presented a danger to other people, or you presented a danger to yourself. For example, you can be charged with public intoxication (also called being drunk and disorderly) if you are staggering in the middle of the road instead of walking in designated walkways because you are putting yourself and other road users in danger.

Drinking In Public Places

Many states have enacted laws that prohibit people from drinking in public places. These laws, which are called open container laws, apply both to pedestrians and passengers in vehicles. These laws were enacted to prevent DUIs and public disturbances. However, you don't have to do anything else to be arrested for violating an open container law; the mere act of drinking or carrying an alcohol bottle with a broken seal is enough to get you arrested. There are usually a few exceptions to these laws; for example, drinking in a party bus.

Having Alcohol Where Minors Can Access It Easily

You probably know that it is a crime to sell or supply alcohol to a minor (anyone under the age of 21). What you might not know, however, is that the term "supply" here has a different meaning in addition to the usual ones associated with it. You don't actually have to give a minor alcohol for you to be considered as having supplied the minor with the drink; even drinking in the presence of a minor and not restricting their access to it counts. For example, you can be charged with this crime if you have a house party where alcohol is served and nobody is keeping the kids away from it. Another classic example is storing alcohol in a kitchen cabinet that isn't locked when there are kids in the house.

What this means is that everybody who takes alcohol should be aware of the restrictions of using it. However, you also deserve your day in court if you have been charged with any of the above crimes. A criminal defense lawyer will see to it that your legal rights are observed following your charges. For more information, contact local professionals like Jeffrey D. Larson, Attorney at Law

Share

Search