Alcohol Charges Are Serious
Everyone has seen the cliched drunk Santa in movies (and maybe even in real life). However, public intoxication is no joke. It’s also legal In Minnesota. Yes, you read that correctly. You can’t be arrested for simply being drunk in public. But don’t take that as permission to get soused and tell off your boss. While public intoxication isn’t illegal in itself, it often leads to things that are.
Alcohol-Related Charges
Of the many charges that can be brought against you for imbibing in public, the one that usually comes to mind is DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). This carries stiff penalties that vary depending on how drunk you are and whether this is your first offense or not. And of course, if you injure someone, their property, or worse-take someone’s life while driving drunk, you could be facing far more serious charges. Even 15% of robberies are related to alcohol use.
Various Assault Charges
One unfortunate side effect of drunkenness is often increased violence. There is a lack of inhibition that prevents people from using common sense when they are drunk. This can lead to:
- Aggravated assault-27% are related to alcohol use.
- Domestic violence-66% is related to alcohol use.
- Child abuse-40% is related to alcohol use.
- Sexual assault-37% is related to alcohol use.[1]
Which particular type of assault you can be charged with depends on your relationship with the victim and the violent act’s nature.
Holidays and Alcohol Consumption
People often do things under the influence of alcohol that they wouldn’t otherwise do. The holiday season can be an alcohol-laden minefield. Americans double their alcohol consumption during the holidays,[2] leading to financial, family, and legal problems.
If you are charged with any of these crimes, we would like to give you the representation you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today to see how we can help.
White & Associates has offices in Elk River Minnesota, we serve clients throughout our neighboring cities, including Saint Cloud, Albertville, St. Michael, Buffalo, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Monticello, Big Lake, Ramsey, Rogers, Princeton, Zimmerman, and Becker, MN. We also have experience representing clients throughout much of Minnesota. So whether you call Elk River—or even the Twin Cities Metro—home or not, know that we can help.
[1] “Alcohol-Related Crimes: Statistics and Facts.” Alcohol Rehab Guide, 21 Oct. 2020, www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/crimes/.
[2] Newhart, Beth. “Americans Double Their Drinking during the Holidays.” Beveragedaily.com, William Reed Business Media Ltd., 19 Dec. 2018, www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2018/12/19/Americans-double-their-drinking-during-the-holidays-dampen-work-productivity.
