Drunk and disorderly behavior is also known as disorderly intoxication in the State of Colorado. An individual usually faces this criminal charge when their drunken conduct rises to a level that causes disruption of society or disturbs the peace. While being drunk in public is not a crime, harassing someone, disturbing the peace, or causing a scene while you are drunk can be.
In order to be convicted of drunk and disorderly behavior, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were drunk at the time and were a disturbance to the general public. Examples of this type of crime include:
A drunk man who is running up and down the street yelling loudly at 4 a.m.
A woman who after drinking begins cursing and screaming at her boyfriend outside a bar
A college student who verbally and physically harasses a group of young women while drinking in a bar.
While disorderly intoxication is not a serious crime, it can jeopardize your future and cause unnecessary embarrassment and turmoil. A person who is convicted of drunk and disorderly behavior may face the following penalties and consequences:
Probation
Fines
Up to 6 months in county jail
Misdemeanor conviction on your record
And more
There are several defenses your Denver criminal defense lawyer can use to defend against these criminal charges. Your lawyer may argue that there is insufficient evidence that you were intoxicated. Your lawyer may cite lack of probable cause or that you were not in a public place at the time of the incident.
An experienced Denver criminal defense attorney can use these defenses to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced all together to a lesser offense that comes with no time in jail. In many cases, your criminal defense lawyer can negotiate an informal diversion where you agree to perform community service or attend AA meetings instead of jail time.
Make no mistake about it; a conviction of drunk and disorderly behavior can interfere with your job opportunities, your business relationships, your personal relationships, and your standing in the community. In addition to the embarrassment of having a criminal record, you may find yourself serving time in jail for your actions or facing more serious additional criminal charges. When this occurs you need an experienced Denver criminal defense law firm to fight for you.
Denver criminal defense attorney
Steven Louth has successfully represented accused individuals in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, and throughout Colorado. He understands that your future and your freedom are at stake, and as such; he is always ready to fight the tough fight.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in Denver, Boulder, or anywhere in Colorado, call Steven Louth Law Offices at 303-442-2297 today for a free case evaluation. No matter how serious the charges are against you, there are ways to fight them. Call today!