St. Petersburg Public Intoxication Defense Lawyer

You may have been stopped by a police officer after a night out on Central Avenue or near the Pier. Maybe you were charged with disorderly intoxication even though you weren’t causing any trouble. It happens more often than people think, and the consequences can hit harder than expected.

Florida law defines disorderly intoxication as being intoxicated in a public place and either endangering public safety or causing a public disturbance. It is more than just being drunk in public. It is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest, jail time, and a permanent mark on your record. In Pinellas County, these cases often move quickly, and many people do not realize how serious a second degree misdemeanor can become until it is too late.

You could be facing court dates, pressure from the state attorney’s office, and fear about what this means for your job, your reputation, or even your future housing. And if you have never dealt with the legal system before, the process can feel stacked against you. But you have options, and you do not have to face them alone.

How Florida Law Handles Disorderly Intoxication Cases

Disorderly intoxication offenses fall under Florida Statute 856.011. Just being intoxicated in a public place is not enough. The state must show that your conduct either endangered others or created a public disturbance.

These charges are classified as a second degree misdemeanor. That means up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. But the real weight of the charge is in the long-term consequences. A conviction can appear in background checks, affect your employment, and make future criminal charges harder to fight.

In Pinellas County, the state attorney’s office often files charges quickly. Many people are surprised to find that even a single night’s mistake can turn into months of legal stress.

Real Situations Where These Charges Arise

Disorderly intoxication cases in St. Petersburg often begin with a misunderstanding. You might have been near the bars on Beach Drive, celebrating with friends, when someone called the police. Or you may have been waiting for a ride home outside Ferg’s after a Rays game, only to be accused of causing a public disturbance.

Some clients were arrested after getting into arguments in public places like Williams Park. Others were simply sitting on a bench, waiting to sober up, when an officer decided they were a threat to public safety.

These are not always violent or aggressive situations. But they are treated seriously under criminal law. The conduct may not have felt criminal to you, but the law casts a wide net when alcohol and public behavior are involved.

What Makes These Cases More Complex Than They Seem

Most people facing these charges are not criminals. They are everyday people who had a bad night. But the legal system does not always make that distinction.

The biggest mistake people make is assuming that a public intoxication charge will just go away. In truth, the state often pushes for jail time or probation. And because these cases often rely on police reports or subjective judgment, the evidence may not tell the full story.

If you are wrongfully accused, it can feel like your voice is the only one not being heard. Video footage might exist but will not be preserved unless requested quickly. Witnesses can forget what they saw. And once you are arrested, you are already fighting an uphill battle.

An experienced defense lawyer will know how to challenge the evidence, request necessary records, and press for diversion programs when appropriate. In many disorderly intoxication cases, getting the charges dropped is possible with the right defense strategy.

Get Help from Hersem Law

You do not have to navigate this alone. Hersem Law has helped clients across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County handle disorderly intoxication charges with clarity and care. If you are facing a criminal offense like this, our defense lawyers will guide you through every step and work toward the best outcome possible. Call today for a free consultation about your St. Petersburg public intoxication defense lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged for public intoxication in St. Petersburg if I did not hurt anyone?

Yes. Under Florida law, you do not have to hurt anyone to be charged. If a police officer believes your behavior disturbed the peace or threatened public safety, you can be arrested for disorderly intoxication.

What should I do if I was arrested for public intoxication near Beach Drive?

Start by contacting a criminal defense lawyer who handles cases in Pinellas County. Local experience matters. You will also want to request any available video evidence as soon as possible.

Is jail time likely for a second degree misdemeanor?

It depends. While a second degree misdemeanor carries possible jail time, a defense lawyer can often negotiate for diversion programs, reduced charges, or dropped charges depending on the circumstances.

Can I expunge a disorderly intoxication charge in Florida?

If the charges are dropped or you are found not guilty, you may qualify for expungement. If convicted, sealing or expunging your record becomes much more difficult. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer about your options.

Will this charge affect my job?

It might. Many employers run background checks that include arrests and convictions. Acting quickly to defend the charge can protect your job and your future.