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Public Intoxication Charges in California

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  • 03-11-2012, 01:57 PM
    aloha2u
    Public Intoxication Charges in California
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    Last month I was visiting Santa Barbara, where I went to undergrad. I went to the bars with my friends and had only 2 drinks, since I was trying not to drink much since I had to drive back early the next day. This guy bought me a cranberry juice, and after that I don't remember anything but my friends said that I couldn't even stand. The next thing I knew it was probably about 3 am and I was in Isla Vista in a public restroom sick and couldn't find my phone. Once I threw up I remember everything. A cop came in to the bathroom and they said they needed to take me home. I didn't have my phone to call my friends i was staying with, but the sorority I had graduated from a year ago was a block away so I told them to take me there. Once we got there, the cop would not let me out of the car, and asked the first girl out of the 50 who lived there if she knew me. It was someone younger who I did not know and she said no, so instead of letting me talk to someone the cop said "too bad I already tried" and took me to jail. I knew that I hadn't even drank much, so I asked multiple times for a breathalizer or blood test and they wouldn't give me one. They also held me in jail for 23 hours, so I would never have been able to get a blood test confirming roofies. The DA's office said I am still being charged with a drunk in public.

    I am so confused of what to do now. I talked to a lawyer, and his services would be $750, but I don't want to get a lawyer if it won't even make a difference. Would getting statements from my friends that they think I was roofied help? Most people I know did not even get a lawyer, and were immediately offered an infraction instead of a misdemeanor; however, I do not know if I can take that chance. I am in graduate school, and all the places I have applied for my summer internship background check. A misdemeanor would ruin my chances. Should I get a lawyer, public defender, or just try going to court first and seeing what happens?
  • 03-11-2012, 02:05 PM
    LawResearcherMissy
    Re: Public Intoxication
    Quote:

    Would getting statements from my friends that they think I was roofied help?
    It certainly couldn't hurt.

    If a misdemeanor on your record would hurt your summer internship chances, don't you think it's in your best interests to retain counsel? If you can't afford private counsel, you will want to ask for a PD. In any case, going to court unrepresented would not be a good choice.
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