Public Intoxication

Public Intoxication is when an individual is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other substance that in return makes them act disorderly and inappropriately in a public place. Individuals who are publicly intoxicated can be a serious danger to those around them, and to themselves. It is important to be educated and informed on public intoxication, and what to do if you are ever around an individual who is publicly intoxicated.

How Does It Happen?

Individuals may become publicly intoxicated at likely places, such as a local bar, casinos, restaurants, or any other public place that serves alcohol. Often times, individuals get a little wild when they are with their friends or a large group and drink too much or become influenced by drugs or other illegal substances. However, individuals can also become publicly intoxicated at unlikely places as well if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription drugs and over the counter drugs) or any other illicit substance. In fact, it is just as common for individuals to become publicly intoxicated at unlikely places as it is for individuals to become publicly intoxicated at likely places, such as bars and casinos.

Is It Illegal?

Most states recognize public intoxication as illegal, and most times, individuals who are intoxicated in public and acting inappropriately will likely be arrested and removed from the public place, usually ending up in jail. Police officers and other law enforcement feel that it is necessary to remove such individuals for the safety of not only other innocent bystanders, but for the intoxicated person as well. Once the person is in jail, they must wait until they are no longer intoxicated, and usually must pay a fine. They will likely receive a ticket and must show up to the court to learn if they owe any other fees or if they face any other consequences.

Some states such as Montana and Nevada dont recognize public intoxication as illegal. The intoxicated individual may still be detained or escorted to their home by law enforcement, but they usually will not receive a ticket or end up having to pain any fines.

Call For Help

If you are in a public place and see and individual who is intoxicated and not acting appropriately, it is vital that you get help and call 911. These intoxicated individuals are not in their right mind and could cause extreme damage to you, other individuals, private property, or to themselves. It is important that all bystanders stay away from such individuals are not try to intervene on their own. It is also important that a trained police officer or other law enforcement gets to the situation quickly, and can handle the intoxicated individual and remove him/her from the scene.