Public Intoxication Defense Attorneys - Barnes & Fersten
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys In Tennessee
Arrested for Public Intoxication in East Tennessee?
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Defending Against Public Intoxication Charges in Tennessee
A public intoxication arrest in Tennessee is often embarrassing, frustrating, and completely unexpected. One moment you’re leaving a bar, concert, or football game, the next you’re in handcuffs, facing a criminal charge you never imagined dealing with. Many people assume they did something seriously wrong, but in reality, public intoxication is a commonly misunderstood criminal allegation in Tennessee.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-310, it’s not illegal simply to be drunk in public. The State must prove you were so impaired that you posed a danger to yourself or others, or that you were “unreasonably annoying” to people nearby. Yet officers often make arrests based on quick judgments or subjective observations, not on clear legal standards.
People are charged with public intoxication every day in situations like:
Leaving a bar or restaurant while waiting on a ride
Attending a UT football game or concert downtown
Being in a parking lot or sidewalk after a night out
Experiencing a medical issue or stress that mimics intoxication
Simply disagreeing with or frustrating an officer
What started as an ordinary night out can turn into a stressful and confusing situation. You may be unsure what the charge means or how it could affect your life. But you don’t have to navigate this by yourself—with the right defense attorney, many of these cases can be resolved without lasting damage to your reputation.
How Serious Is A Public Intoxication Charge?
In Tennessee, public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor. Even though it’s considered a lower-level charge, the penalties can still have real consequences. A conviction may include:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Fines up to $50 (in addition to court costs)
- Mandatory court appearances
But the biggest problems usually aren’t the fines or potential jail time—it’s the criminal record that comes with a conviction. Once you’re charged, the arrest becomes part of your public record. If the case ends in a conviction, that record may show up on:
- Employment background checks
- College or graduate school applications
- Professional licensing reviews
- Housing applications
- Security clearance screenings
Even a simple public intoxication conviction can raise red flags for employers or licensing boards, who may assume the incident indicates poor judgment, substance issues, or a pattern of behavior. For students, young professionals, and anyone working in fields that rely on trust or public image, the consequences can ripple far beyond the original incident.
Why Choose Barnes & Fersten for Your Public Intoxication Defense
✅ Proven Experience in Tennessee Public Intoxication Cases
Public intoxication charges are often based on quick, subjective judgments by officers. Our attorneys understand how Tennessee courts interpret the statute, including when behavior truly meets the legal standard of being a danger or “unreasonably annoying.” We know where these cases are commonly overcharged and how to challenge the weaknesses in the State’s evidence.
✅ East Tennessee’s Most Trusted Criminal Defense Team
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With over 300 5-star reviews, our firm is known for prioritizing client experience and delivering real results. We don’t just fight criminal charges—we guide you through every step, ensuring clear communication and a personalized defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
✅ Local Experience That Makes a Difference
We defend public intoxication cases across Blount County, Knox County, Loudon County, Sevier County, and all throughout East Tennessee. Our law firm’s local knowledge can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
Take Charge Of Your Defense – Contact Us Today
A public intoxication charge may seem minor, but the consequences can last far beyond the night it happened. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the better your chances are of avoiding long-term consequences. At Barnes & Fersten, we’ve helped countless individuals across East Tennessee successfully fight public intoxication charges. Our team knows how to challenge the State’s evidence, negotiate favorable outcomes, and position your case for a clean record whenever possible. We’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
📞 Call 865-805-5703 today to get started.
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