Halloween weekend is coming up! Are you prepared to celebrate safely?
Responsible drinking is all about making sure that you drink alcohol in a way that doesn’t put your health or safety at risk. It also means not drinking so much that you end up harming yourself or other people. But this time of year, social gatherings and celebrations are on the rise, as is the case with alcoholic libations. If you plan to hit the town this Halloween weekend, be sure you are prepared to drink safely and responsibly. Even if you don’t drive, being drunk in public in Indiana can get you arrested.
Continue below to learn what might happen if you are arrested and charged with public intoxication on Halloween, plus some important tips for responsible drinking.
Indiana Public Intoxication Charges Should Not Be Taken Lightly
Public intoxication is a criminal offense in Indiana. The law defines public intoxication as being in a public place while intoxicated to the point that you may endanger yourself or another person. The penalties for public intoxication depend on whether it is your first offense or if you have been convicted of the offense before.
► First Offense: You can be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to 60 days.
► Second Offense: You can be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 180 days.
► Third+ Offense: If you are convicted of public intoxication three or more times, you can be fined up to $10,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year.
In addition to the criminal penalties, you may also be required to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program. If you are convicted of public intoxication, it will also go on your criminal record. This can make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or get approved for loans.
If you have been charged with public intoxication in Indiana, it is important to contact an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you understand your options. They can also negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Tips For Drinking Responsibly Over the Holidays
There are a few key things to remember if you want to drink responsibly:
🎃 Drink slowly and have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks in between alcoholic ones
🎃 Avoid rounds of drinks or ‘shouts’, as these can lead to you drinking more than you intended
🎃 Don’t drink on an empty stomach – food will help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your system
🎃 Know your limit and stick to it
🎃 Don’t drink if you’re taking medication that could interact with alcohol
If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to drinking responsibly and reducing the risks associated with alcohol consumption. So, have a safe and happy holiday season!
Were you or a loved one arrested over the Halloween weekend? Do not try to handle your case on your own, hire a private lawyer today. Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.
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