Public intoxication laws differ from state to state. You must understand Indiana’s specific regulations to follow them correctly.
Generally, drinking alcohol in public is not illegal, but problems can arise if your behavior endangers your safety or the safety of others around you.
Public intoxication in Indiana
Indiana law defines public intoxication as being in a public place or a place of public resort under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree where you could harm yourself, others or property, or you can annoy, harass or alarm another person.
In Indiana, being under the influence of alcohol in public is not a crime. However, if you display disruptive or dangerous behavior, you could find yourself facing legal trouble. For instance, disorderly conduct while under the influence could result in an arrest and a charge of public intoxication.
Penalties for public intoxication
Indiana classifies public intoxication as a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face severe penalties. A judge can sentence you to up to 180 days in jail and impose a fine of up to $1,000. However, a charge of public intoxication does not always mean you will serve time in jail. Many factors can influence the final outcome, including any past criminal history, the specific circumstances of the incident and whether your behavior was a danger to yourself or others.
How to avoid public intoxication charges
The surest way to avoid public intoxication charges is to drink alcohol responsibly. Keep an eye on your behavior when drinking in public and make sure you do not threaten your safety or the safety of others.
Jail time is a possibility for public intoxication in Indiana, but the specific circumstances of the incident and your behavior will largely determine the outcome.
