Alcohol & Drugs: MIP, MIC, Intoxication Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct

[MattR99]

Hi,

I was recently drunk and arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in California. I spent the night in jail and was released in the morning with a court summons for the 20th January.
I am very concerned with what charges i face and also the likely punishment. It is my first offence. Is it advisable for me to get a lawyer or attorney or will it have no effect.

I am a UK citizen currently on a J1 visa which i need to renew for next semester. Will any charges i face affect my visa status or likelihood of getting it renewed.

Thanks in advance

 

[CdwJava]

It is always advisable to consult with an attorney. The offense of PC 647(f) carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in custody. Typically, if prosecuted at all, informal probation and a fine is the result. I have yet to see anyone go to jail for a first offense ... heck, they don't tend to serve time in jail for the first few such offenses.

- Carl