In North Carolina, you can get a ticket for being drunk and disorderly, although public intoxication is legal. As long as you are not causing a bother to the general public or getting behind the wheel of a car, it’s legal to be under the influence in public. However, cops might take you into protective custody for your safety. If you are causing a scene, you might get a ticket for drunk and disorderly conduct. This is often the case if you are becoming violent or presenting a danger to others. If you do receive this type of ticket, you might have a fine or even serve jail time. It’s best to simply arrange a safe ride home when you are drinking.
Drunk and Disorderly: North Carolina Rules About Public Intoxication
Drunk and Disorderly: North Carolina Rules about Public Intoxication
Public Intoxication
Public intoxication, as opposed to drunk and disorderly, is perfectly legal in North Carolina. Just as long as you are not becoming a nuisance to the public. In some states, being under influence in public can get you a ticket, but in NC, that is not the case. The definition of public space is any place that is open to the public, even if it has a private owner.
Protective Custody
While it is not a crime to be drunk in public, you might still face some problems. The police can take you into protective custody if they feel like you are in danger. They might take you home or to another person’s home if you have somebody that can help take care of you. If you need medical care, they can take you to the doctor or hospital. They will not take you to jail unless you become drunk and disorderly.
Drunk and Disorderly
Being drunk and disorderly can land you in trouble in North Carolina. To qualify for this type of arrest, you must be causing a disturbance to the public. For instance, if you are blocking traffic, sidewalks, or entrances to buildings. In addition, if you are cursing, shouting, or becoming aggressive with people you might get in trouble. And finally, if you are panhandling or begging, you might get a ticket.
Punishment
Being drunk and disorderly does come with some punishment in North Carolina. If it’s your first offense, you’ll likely receive a fine and can also spend up to ten nights in jail. Repeat offenders might serve a longer jail time. If the police catch you drinking and driving, you could face jail time, points on your license, fines, and even the loss of your license.
Being drunk and disorderly in North Carolina is a punishable offense. However, simple public intoxication is not. If you are drinking in public, the police can put you into protective custody for your good and transport you home or to a friend’s house. In contrast, if you become a nuisance to the public, you’ll likely get a ticket for drunk and disorderly conduct. Especially if you are blocking traffic, begging, cursing, or attempting to start fights. The punishment for this type of offense is typically a fine and even the possibility of jail time. The bottom line is that if you plan to drink heavily, find a safe way to get home. Call a cab or call a friend so that you don’t become a nuisance to the public and land yourself in trouble.
