Have you been accused of public intoxication as a college student in Lexington, Kentucky? Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help when you call (859) 569-4014. We offer a free consultation with a Lexington college student defense lawyer who can discuss the charge and what steps to take next.
A public intoxication charge can create problems both in court and at school. Depending on the circumstances, a student may face criminal penalties as well as a separate disciplinary process through their college or university. Our legal team can help address the criminal case and related concerns that may affect your education.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to Help Me If I’ve Been Accused of Public Intoxication as a College Student in Lexington, KY?
A public intoxication charge in Lexington, KY, can create concerns both in court and at school. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers has decades of experience defending people accused of crimes and the resources to handle cases involving college students.
When you work with our Lexington public intoxication lawyers, you benefit from:
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience
- Former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals on our legal team
- A practice focused on criminal defense
- Defense strategies based on the facts of each case
- Direct communication with your attorney
- Representation for students facing criminal charges and related disciplinary concerns
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington criminal defense attorney.
What Is Public Intoxication Under Kentucky Law?
Kentucky law handles intoxication in public under two main statutes:
- Alcohol Intoxication (KRS 222.202): Applies when a person is manifestly under the influence of alcohol alone in a public place to the degree that they may endanger themselves, others, or property, or cause a public annoyance.
- Public Intoxication (KRS 525.100): Applies when a person appears in a public place under the influence of a controlled substance, prescription drug, or other non-alcohol intoxicating substance (or a combination of drugs and alcohol). This offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
For college students, allegations may arise after encounters with police near bars, parties, sporting events, concerts, or other public areas.
What Are the Penalties for Public Intoxication in Kentucky?
The penalties for public intoxication in Kentucky depend on the substance involved, the circumstances of the incident, and whether the student has prior offenses.
Depending on the circumstances, potential consequences may include:
- Fines and court costs
- Jail time for certain offenses
- A misdemeanor conviction on the student’s criminal record
- Court-ordered substance abuse education or treatment
- Additional penalties for repeat offenses
College students may also face separate disciplinary consequences through their college or university. Even when criminal penalties are relatively minor, a public intoxication charge can create challenges that affect a student’s education and future opportunities.
Can a Public Intoxication Charge Affect a Student’s College Career?
A criminal case and a college disciplinary proceeding are separate matters. Depending on the school’s policies and the circumstances of the incident, a student may face disciplinary action even if the alleged conduct occurred away from campus.
Possible school-related consequences may include:
- A warning or disciplinary probation
- Required substance abuse education
- Restrictions on campus activities
- Loss of certain housing privileges
- Suspension or other disciplinary sanctions
The consequences vary by institution and the conduct involved. A student should not assume that resolving the criminal case will automatically resolve a separate disciplinary matter with the school.
What Defenses Are Available to a Public Intoxication Charge?
A public intoxication allegation does not automatically establish that the requirements of Kentucky law have been met. The available defense will be based on the facts surrounding the police encounter and the evidence against the student.
Potential defenses may include:
- The student was not intoxicated
- The evidence does not establish the required level of intoxication
- The student did not endanger themselves, another person, or property
- The student’s conduct did not unreasonably annoy people in the vicinity
- The alleged conduct did not occur in a public place
- Police observations or other evidence do not support the allegation
- Evidence was obtained in violation of the student’s constitutional rights
Video footage, witness accounts, police reports, and other evidence may become important when determining what actually occurred.
What Should College Students Do After a Public Intoxication Arrest?
A public intoxication arrest can lead to court requirements as well as possible action by a college or university. Students should keep track of both processes and avoid actions that could create additional problems.
After an arrest, consider taking the following steps:
- Keep all paperwork received from the police or the court
- Attend scheduled court appearances
- Follow any conditions imposed by the court
- Preserve relevant photographs, videos, messages, receipts, and witness information
- Avoid discussing the incident on social media
- Respond to notices from the college concerning disciplinary proceedings
- Speak with a criminal defense attorney about the charge
Criminal proceedings and school disciplinary proceedings may move forward separately, so deadlines or requirements from either should not be ignored.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With a Public Intoxication Charge?
A Lexington public intoxication attorney can investigate what happened and address the allegations against the student. Depending on the case, an attorney may:
- Obtain police reports and available body-camera footage
- Speak with witnesses and gather other relevant evidence
- Examine whether the prosecution can prove each element of the offense
- Challenge improperly obtained evidence when appropriate
- Communicate with prosecutors
- Represent the student during court proceedings
- Address related college disciplinary concerns when applicable
An attorney can also explain what to expect as the case proceeds and help the student respond to issues that arise along the way.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our College Student Defense Lawyer
A public intoxication charge in Lexington, Kentucky, can leave a college student dealing with both a criminal case and possible consequences at school. Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you address the allegations, prepare for court, and deal with related disciplinary concerns.
If you have been charged with public intoxication, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Lexington college student defense attorney.