Were You Arrested for PC 647(f) in Newport Beach, CA?

January 21, 2023

Being arrested for public intoxication under Penal Code 647(f) in Newport Beach can have serious legal consequences. Public intoxication, also known as “drunk in public,” is a criminal offense that occurs when an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point that they are unable to care for their own safety or the safety of others. In Newport Beach, public intoxication is punishable by a fine, jail time, or both.

If you are arrested for public intoxication in Newport Beach, the first step in the process is to understand the specific charges against you. Under PC 647(f), it is a criminal offense to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public and unable to care for one’s own safety or the safety of others. This can include being drunk in a public place, such as a park, sidewalk, or beach, or being drunk in a vehicle.

After you are arrested, you will be taken to the Newport Beach Police Department and booked. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and having your personal information recorded. After booking, you will likely be released on bail or on your own recognizance. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be able to be released without having to post bail.

Once you are released, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, the potential consequences of a conviction, and your options for defending yourself against the charges.

One of the most important things to consider when defending against a public intoxication charge is the evidence against you. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and unable to care for your own safety or the safety of others. An experienced attorney can help to review the evidence against you and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

For example, if the prosecution’s evidence is primarily based on the observations of the arresting officer, an attorney can challenge the officer’s credibility, or the officer’s ability to accurately assess your level of intoxication. Additionally, it’s important to determine if the place of arrest is considered a public place and if the arrest was conducted by a peace officer.

Another defense strategy is to challenge the legality of the arrest. If the arrest was made without probable cause or without a warrant, the evidence against you may be suppressed, which means that it cannot be used in court. An attorney can help to determine if the arrest was conducted in compliance with the law and can make a motion to suppress the evidence if appropriate.

Additionally, if the arrest is a first-time offense and the individual has no prior criminal record, there may be options for diversion programs or alternatives to prosecution such as Alcoholics Anonymous or counseling as an alternative to formal prosecution, in this case, an attorney can help to negotiate a favorable plea bargain or alternative sentence.

If you are convicted of public intoxication in Newport Beach, the penalties can be severe. The maximum penalty for a violation is a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. Additionally, a conviction for public intoxication can result in a criminal record, which can have a negative impact on your employment and housing opportunities in the future.

Contact a Newport Beach Criminal Defense Attorney


If you were arrested or cited for PC 647(f) in Newport Beach, then give the Law Offices of John D. Rogers a call today. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Newport Beach criminal defense attorney.

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