My question involves criminal law for the state of: SC
I found this forum while looking up public drunk info.
I am an international student on F1 visa. I was arrested last week on public drunk charge while walking back home from downtown bar. I dont have a car and always walk back. None of my friends have a car, we all just walk. I did not even knew that being drunk and walking is some crime.
A police officer came up to me and said I was too drunk and maybe I should call someone to get me. I did not know that I would be arrested or that I was in any trouble. The people in this town are very friendly and I thought he was just asking me how I was doing. Well, I said I am fine and I can walk back no problem, and that I dont have any roommates in town now and no car and I would be fine. He arrested me under public drunk charge, under city ordinance (a misdemeanor). I was put in jail the whole night, released next day on $500 bond and now have a court date next week. I am still in shock over the whole thing. I just did not understand that I was in trouble, I would have called someone or the other to walk me back home. This was just a huge misunderstanding on my part.
I met a lawyer through my university legal aid program. I was told that the charge is not serious and it wont be a problem, and the charges can be expunged in 3 years. But I am feeling really bad. Having a criminal record might affect my visa status as well as future visa (H1) and citizenship procedures. There is something else known as PTI (pre-trial intervention) which can get rid of the charges and the record, entering into a program. I am mostly going to do this but this could cost around $500. I dont have that sort of money, but I can get it from some friends.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

