Public Intoxication California While on Student Exchange

[MattR99]

My question involves criminal law for the state of : California

Hi,
I was recently drunk and arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in California. I was arrested on the street about 5 minutes from my halls and spent the night in jail and was let out in the morning.
I am a UK citizen currently on a J1 visa which i need to renew for next semester.
I have a court date in January, am i likely to get a fine, if so how much will it be and also will it effect my visa or being able to renew it. It is my first offense and i have never been arrested in the UK.

Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

You could conceivably get a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail; realistically I expect a lower fine and a sentence of probation.

I doubt that your arrest will interfere with your study program, and it's not of such severity that I would expect it to prevent visa renewal. But see if the prosecutor will cut you a deal (e.g., deferral) that will allow you to avoid being convicted.