You Could Face Serious Penalties If You’re Charged With Being Intoxicated and Disorderly in North Carolina

What Can Happen to You If You Are Drunk But Not Disorderly in Charlotte

It is not illegal to be drunk in a public place in our state. Under North Carolina law, a public place is any place open to the public even if it is privately owned. Examples of public places include:

Roads

Sidewalks

Parking lots

Restaurants and bars

Stores

Office buildings

Although public intoxication is not a crime, the police do have the right to take someone into protective custody and take them home or to a responsible individual’s residence. If the person needs medical care, the police are allowed to take him to a hospital or other medical facility. When no medical treatment is needed, the officer can take the intoxicated person to a shelter or local jail. The police are allowed to keep someone in protective custody until he is sober or for 24 hours.

When Can a Person Be Guilty of the Crime of Drunk and Disorderly?

Under North Carolina law, very specific requirements must be met for an individual to be convicted of being drunk and disorderly. He must be intoxicated in public and be disruptive in one of these ways:

Interfering with or blocking traffic on a highway or road
Blocking or interfering with a passage on a sidewalk or an entrance to a building
Grabbing, shoving, or pushing other people
Fighting or challenging others to fight
Cursing or shouting at others or rudely insulting them
Begging for money or other property

The police can arrest an individual for being drunk and disorderly and also place him in protective custody if the officer determines that this would be beneficial.

Drunk and disorderly is a Class 3 misdemeanor. For a first offense, the punishment can include one to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $200. If the person has prior convictions, the jail sentence is increased to up to 20 days.

Alcoholism Is a Defense to Drunk and Disorderly Charges

Under North Carolina law, alcoholism is a complete defense to the charge of being intoxicated and disorderly. The judge must consider this defense even if the defendant or his attorney does not raise it. The judge can order that the defendant’s drinking history be evaluated by an alcohol treatment counselor. If raising this defense results in the person’s acquittal, the judge has the power to civilly commit him as a substance abuser.

What Should You Do If You Are Arrested for Being Drunk and Disorderly

If you are charged with being drunk and disorderly, you need to take immediate steps to protect your legal rights. This will help an experienced criminal defense lawyer build a strong defense to the charges you face. Some important actions you should take include:

Stay calm. This may be more challenging to do if you are drunk and your judgment is impaired. However, it is crucial to remain calm and cooperative during your arrest.
Exercise your right to an attorney and retain one immediately. Once you tell the police you want a lawyer, they cannot question you unless he is present.
Remain silent. It is crucial to exercise this constitutional right because anything you say can be used by the police against you.
Know when your court dates are and attend all required hearings. You may face other serious charges if you do not show up at court.

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Our Approach To DWI Cases

WE WILL GET YOU DRIVING AGAIN

Simply being charged with DWI in North Carolina often results in your driver’s license being revoked for a minimum of 30 days. However, we can typically get your driving privileges reinstated almost immediately. We do this by either, first, challenging this civil license revocation, or second, getting you a limited driving privilege.

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WE WILL GATHER EVIDENCE

Whether you realize it or not, a considerable amount of evidence exists regarding your DWI charge, much of which is vital to an effective defense of your case. We will review your court file, subpoena necessary documents, videos, and notes, and file the appropriate pretrial motions in a timely manner.

Defend My Case

WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU IN COURT

As former prosecutors, we are aware of all the potential defenses that may be available to you. We do not automatically assume you intend to plead guilty and face the harsh consequences associated with a DWI conviction. We pledge we will examine every possible defense and take your case to trial if it is in your best interest.

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WE WILL MITIGATE CONSEQUENCES

While it’s our goal to win every DWI case we have, it’s simply not possible for any attorney to win every time. If you are ultimately convicted of DWI, we will help you take every step possible to reduce the potential penalties, such as avoiding jail time, keeping you driving, reducing monetary costs, and more.

Defend My Case

You Could Face Serious Penalties If You’re Charged With Being Intoxicated and Disorderly in North Carolina

What Can Happen to You If You Are Drunk But Not Disorderly in Charlotte

Let Our Experience & Knowledge Help You Obtain The Best Possible Outcome For Your Unique Legal Situation.

When Can a Person Be Guilty of the Crime of Drunk and Disorderly?

Alcoholism Is a Defense to Drunk and Disorderly Charges

What Should You Do If You Are Arrested for Being Drunk and Disorderly

Have You Been Arrested for a DWI in Charlotte, NC?

Our Approach To DWI Cases