Alcohol-Related Crimes

Orange County defense lawyer, William Weinberg is an experienced attorney who has successfully defended hundreds of clients, including those who have been charged with alcohol-related crimes. Mr. Weinberg is a zealous advocate for the clients that he represents and has a track record of proven results. Mr. Weinberg takes the time to individually review each potential client’s case to provide a plan that works best for their circumstances.

If you are over the age of 21, it is legal for you to consume alcohol. However, there are a number of criminal charges than can be filed that are related to the consumption of alcohol. Below are a few of these alcohol-related crimes:

1. Driving Under the Influence

In California it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher according to California Vehicle Code section 23152(a) and (b).

Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most commonly charged alcohol-related offenses. The goal of criminalizing DUIs is to reduce alcohol related vehicle crashes. Being able to detect and arrest persons driving under the influence is a major goal of law enforcement agencies and therefore most agencies receive special training regarding DUI enforcement. If you are criminally convicted for a DUI, you may face fines, probation, court mandated alcohol programs, and/or jail time. Not only can a person face criminal penalties if arrested for a DUI, but they also face a loss or suspension of their license through the DMV. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, it is important that you contact an alcohol-related crimes attorney in Orange County to assist you with you case.

2. Drunk in Public

In California, disorderly conduct is prohibited by California Penal Code section 647.

Criminal charges can be filed against people that are in public and have been excessively drinking. In California, it is not illegal for a person to be arrested simply because they are drunk and in a public place. A person has to be so drunk that they are no longer able to care for themselves or others, or if they are obstructing other persons. Drunk in public is a misdemeanor crime, however it can result in jail time. Often police officers arrest people for drunk in public when they are being drunk and uncooperative.

3. Providing Alcoholic Beverages to Persons Under 21 Years of Age

In California, it is illegal to sell or provide alcoholic beverages to a person who is under 21 years of age under California Business and Professional Code section 25658(a).

California law discourages people who are under 21 from drinking alcohol. Liquor stores, bars, and restaurants are often targeted by police officers for this type of offense. Under the Shoulder Tap Program, law enforcement agencies use a minor who is setup as a decoy to solicit adults outside of business establishments to buy them alcohol. A business can incur fines and potentially lose their liquor license if they are found to have violated this law.

Orange County defense attorney William Weinberg is an experienced lawyer in Orange County who has many years of experience defending clients charged with alcohol-related crimes. He will consider your case free of charge and advise you of your options. To reach him please contact his Irvine office at 949-474-8008 or by emailing him at bill@williamweinberg.com.