18 May Is Public Intoxication a Misdemeanor in Hawaii?
Everyone knows that we’re not supposed to drink and drive. Many of us have gotten really good about making sure that whenever we go out to have a good time, we have a plan for getting home that doesn’t involve us driving. In some situations, we simply decide to walk home.
Although walking home while you’re drunk is preferable, you should be aware that it’s still not the safest option. All of the alcohol you’ve consumed slows your response time and dulls your reflexes. Not only does this make you an attractive target to any criminals you may encounter on your walk, but there’s also a chance a patrol officer could notice you staggering home and decide to charge you with public intoxication.
That’s right. Being extremely drunk while in public is a crime.
Public intoxication is a misdemeanor. If you’re convicted, the maximum sentence is:
- Six months in a county jail
- A $1,000 fine
A public intoxication conviction may be embarrassing but it’s not an offense that will negatively impact your rights. It’s also possible to have the public intoxication charge expunged.