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Public Intoxication
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Public Intoxication Lawyer in San Antonio

Experienced San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested or charged with a crime is a frightening experience, no matter the charge. In Texas, it is a crime to be intoxicated in public to the point where you pose a danger to yourself or others. Peacefully having a beer at a concert, for example, is not sufficient for charges of Public Intoxication (PI). Rather, PI charges sometimes involve an individual who is so intoxicated that they fall, yell obscenities at strangers, try to instigate a fight, or pass out on the sidewalk. At the Law Office of Roberto Ambrosino, PLLC, however, we know there are two sides to every story, and we can defend you against PI charges. Call me, Attorney Roberto Ambrosino, today at (210) 201-7622 for legal help.

Texas Public Intoxication Laws

In Texas, per Texas Penal Code §49.02, Public Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. In rare instances, the police may arrest you and make you "sober up" in a "drunk tank". If you just "pay the fine" without the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer, in most cases you're pleading guilty a criminal offense and voluntarily signing up for a criminal conviction that can follow you for the rest of your life. You may fear what a PI conviction could mean for your future, and rightly so. A PI conviction, for example, can jeopardize your ability to obtain new employment if you are in the final stages of the hiring process. Prospective employers may be concerned about potential alcoholism if you’ve been convicted of PI. Nobody wants to have the embarrassing burden of needing to explain the circumstances surrounding a PI conviction.

Defenses to Public Intoxication Charges

If you’ve been arrested on a PI charge, you may worry about what you should do next. Once you’ve been released from jail, we highly recommend you take steps to secure legal representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney in San Antonio. Doing so will ensure you are well-informed of the charge against you and help you formulate a plan to prevent having a mark on your permanent record.

One problem with Public Intoxication charges is it is a subjectively determined crime. An overzealous police officer may find you obnoxious and decide to slap you with unwarranted PI charges, even though you were not in danger of harming yourself or anyone else, and you were not disturbing the peace in any other way. In addition, there is no stipulation that the arresting officer must have measured your blood alcohol content (BAC) by either a breathalyzer or by drawing blood. The police officer does not even have to perform a field sobriety test.

It’s Worth Fighting Public Intoxication Charges

It is worth your time and effort to fight a PI charge because any conviction goes on your permanent criminal record, and it can come back to haunt you in the future. Don’t plead guilty to PI charges, and don’t make the mistake of representing yourself against the charge or accepting the penalty of a relatively small fine just to put the experience behind you. Remember, a PI charge may not be as serious as a DWI conviction, but it still leaves a stain on your permanent record.

The first thing you should do upon release from jail is call a skilled San Antonio criminal defense attorney to help you fight PI charges. Don’t hesitate. Call my firm today at (210) 201-7622 for a free case evaluation.

Real Results

I Have Successfully Defended Thousands of Cases
  • Reduced Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Deferred Aggravated Robbery
  • Rejected Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
  • Dismissed Assault
  • Dismissed Assault - Family Violence
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  • "I would highly recommend him if ever you need an attorney."
    I contacted Mr. Ambrosino about an issue we were having about two months ago. He was very responsive and always easy to communicate with. If ever I had a question during the process, he was quick to respond with an answer. He was kind enough to even email me while on vacation with his own family which showed he truly cares about his clients. Mr. Ambrosino took the time to educate me on the current laws and the court process. He sent me all the court filings and paperwork for my own files and always kept me up to date. In the end we received the outcome we were hoping for and I attribute that to Mr. Ambrosino’s hard work and knowledge. I would highly recommend him if ever you need an attorney. Thank you for your help Mr. Ambrosino.
    - C. S.
  • "His great reputation is very well deserved."
    Rob was incredibly helpful with my case needs, and provided the exact outcome I was hoping for. He was professional and attentive throughout the entire process. Rob was very quick and timely with all of the efforts and actions. He kept me informed and updated about every aspect of the proceedings. I highly recommend Rob for his fantastic work. Besides his professional work, he was patient, understanding, and sensitive to my situation. His great reputation is very well deserved.
    - A M.
  • "Amazing lawyer, my first experience having a lawyer and he made it worth it"
    Wouldn't have had anyone else by my side. Amazing lawyer, my first experience having a lawyer and he made it worth it. Doesn't charge a lot and his work is accurate and promising! Thanks again.
    - Cass T.
  • "Mr. Roberto Ambrosino is an amazing lawyer!!!"
    Mr. Roberto Ambrosino is an amazing lawyer!!! I can not speak highly enough he is quick, efficient, and professional! I did everything online, through mail, and the phone. He kept in touch about every aspect of my case. After I sent documents and made a payment he approached the judge soon after and my case was closed. I am extremely pleased with his services. I highly recommend him. Now a few years later I reached out to him again regarding obtaining documents and again he is very communicative and on top of everything. I am a very satisfied customer.
    - Kasia S.
  • "If anything should arise in the future I will definitely be back to see him!!"
    Mr. Ambrosino is Amazing he answered calls at any time I had a question! Very informative with me about my case, even though I was very doubtful he continued to brighten my spirits and with all his hard work and continued push threw he got my case dismissed. If anything should arise in the future I will definitely be back to see him!!
    - Amanda S.
  • "Mr. Ambrosino is a true professional. He truly delivers on his word."
    Mr. Ambrosino is a true professional. He truly delivers on his word. When the prosecutor pushed back to prevent my acceptance into the PreTrial Diversions Program, Mr. Ambrosino fought back and earned my acceptance into PTD. Once I am done with PTD, he will be expunging my charge so that my record is clean for graduate school. Thank you Mr. Ambrosino.
    - Jesse B.
  • "Great attorney if you find yourself needing one."
    Great experience. Very professional, fast with getting back to you with your questions. Great attorney if you find yourself needing one.
    - Alfonso C.
  • "He was able to get my case dismissed when all other lawyers told me that it would be impossible."
    Mr. Ambrosino is an amazing lawyer. He is very matter of fact and to the point. He was able to get my case dismissed when all other lawyers told me that it would be impossible. I never felt like he gave me the run around with my case. He was always available to answer any questions I had. I would definitely hire him again.
    - Lucy V.