When you’re cited or arrested for being drunk and disorderly in public — whether for public intoxication, obstructing a sidewalk, or behaving “out of control” while under the influence — you face serious consequences: fines, possible jail time, a permanent record, and collateral damage to jobs, housing, or licensing. If this happened in Pasadena, California, you need a lawyer who understands how local courts treat these cases and can fight to minimize the damage.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we represent clients in Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles County area who are charged under public-intoxication and disorderly-conduct statutes. Our founder, Arthur Djougourian — a trial attorney with a background in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office (Consumer Protection Unit) — treats your case with the seriousness, strategy, and personal attention it deserves.
What is “Drunk & Disorderly” in Pasadena?
In California, one common charge for this kind of behavior is California Penal Code §647(f) (PC 647(f)), which defines the crime of public intoxication. The statute holds that a person is guilty if:
- They “willfully” are under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (Shouse Law Group)
- They are in a “public place” (a sidewalk, street, park, restaurant open to the public, or even a car parked publicly); (Shouse Law Group)
- While under the influence they either:
– are unable to care for their own safety or the safety of others; OR
– interfere with or obstruct the free use of a street, sidewalk or other public way. (Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners)
In short: simply being intoxicated in public isn’t always enough — the law requires additional factors (endangering yourself/others or obstructing public way) in Pasadena and California. (Kraut Law Group)
Relevant Pasadena & California Facts
While specific city-wide figures for “drunk & disorderly” arrests are harder to isolate, publicly available data shows relevant trends:
- According to the City of Pasadena Police Department crime categories, “Drunkenness (Except Driving Under the Influence)” and “Liquor Law Violations” are tracked offenses. (City of Pasadena)
- The California Penal Code PC 647(f) indicates maximum penalties for public intoxication in California: up to 6 months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. (Cron, Israels & Stark)
- The City of Pasadena’s mortality report shows that alcohol intoxication is among the listed causes in overdose and drug‐related deaths, implying a broader public-health context for alcohol misuse in the area. (City of Pasadena)
These facts underline that while public intoxication may seem less serious than DUI offenses, the impact on your record and future is substantial—and the local enforcement environment is active.
Why Choose Djougourian Law Corporation
When facing a “drunk & disorderly” or public-intoxication charge in Pasadena, the right lawyer makes a difference. Here’s why our firm should be your choice:
- Experienced Trial Attorney: Arthur Djougourian doesn’t just handle cases—he prepares them as if for trial, giving you strategic leverage.
- Local Knowledge: Based in the Los Angeles region, we understand how Pasadena courts treat public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges.
- Personal Attention: You will work directly with Arthur—no passing off to junior attorneys or assistants.
- Focus on Minimizing Consequences: We aim not just to resolve your charge, but to reduce jail/fine risk, avoid a criminal record, and protect your future.
- Strategic Defense & Options: We explore diversion programs, plea alternatives, or case dismissal when possible.
- Free Consultation: We evaluate your case and explain your options at no cost.
How We Handle Your Case
- Free Case Evaluation
We begin with a no-cost consultation. You tell your story—what happened, where it occurred in Pasadena, whether you were arrested or cited—and we evaluate the law, your rights, and your options. - Evidence Review & Investigation
We examine police reports, arrest records, surveillance video, witness statements, and any context that could support defense—such as: were you truly in a public place? Were you obstructing a public way? Was the intoxication so severe you lost care of your safety? - Strategy & Defense
We analyze possible defenses:
– You weren’t in a legal public place (private party, restricted access, etc.)
– You were not “unable to care for safety” or obstructing a public way
– Law enforcement lacked sufficient basis for arrest
– We negotiate with prosecutors to seek outcomes like diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal. - Resolution or Litigation
Most public-intoxication cases resolve via plea or diversion. But we prepare for trial if necessary—and your readiness for trial often improves settlement potential. - Post-Resolution Support
After resolution, we guide you on: how to avoid future issues, whether record sealing is possible, and how to protect employment/licensing implications.
What Are the Penalties?
Under PC 647(f) in California—including Pasadena—the potential penalties include:
- Up to 6 months in county jail (Keg Lawyers)
- A fine up to $1,000 (Cron, Israels & Stark)
- Misdemeanor summary probation
- If this is your third conviction within one year, a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail applies unless you complete a 60-day treatment program. (Kraut Law Group)
- Collateral consequences: criminal record, employment impact, licensing issues
Even if jail isn’t imposed, the risk of a criminal record should be taken seriously—especially in Pasadena where local enforcement tracks “Drunkenness (Except DUI)” specifically. (City of Pasadena)
Benefits of Working With Us
- Reduce Risk of Jail or Record: Our defense strategy emphasizes avoiding conviction when possible and minimizing consequences.
- Protect Your Future: We help you avoid collateral damage to jobs, housing, immigration, and licensing.
- Clear Communication & Guidance: You’ll always know your options and what to expect.
- Local Advantage: Familiarity with Pasadena municipal prosecutors, courts, and diversion opportunities leads to better outcomes.
Cost Protection: You pay nothing for the initial consultation and you get experienced advocacy from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being drunk in public always a crime?
No. Simply being intoxicated in a public place is not automatically a violation under PC 647(f). The prosecution must show you were unable to care for your own safety or that you obstructed a public way. (LA Defense Team)
What counts as a “public place”?
“Public place” includes streets, sidewalks, parks, restaurants open to the public, and even a parked car on a public street. Private homes, hotel rooms, or private property not open to the public generally do not qualify. (Shouse Law Group)
What is “unable to care for your safety”?
It means your intoxication is such that you cannot protect yourself or others—e.g., passed out on a sidewalk, stumbling in traffic. If you were simply intoxicated but coherent and safe, a PC 647(f) charge may be more difficult to prove. (Keg Lawyers)
Can I avoid a conviction?
Yes; diversion programs, plea reductions, or dismissals are possible—especially for first-time offenders and with the right defense strategy. (Kraut Law Group)
Will a misdemeanor public intoxication charge stay on my record forever?
It depends. If convicted, it becomes part of your record. Some outcomes or diversions may allow for sealing or expungement; we’ll advise your eligibility case-by-case.
Call to Action — Protect Your Rights in Pasadena
If you’ve been cited or arrested in Pasadena for being drunk and disorderly — public intoxication or similar conduct under PC 647(f) — don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense can be. Contact Djougourian Law Corporation today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you avoid jail, minimize fines, preserve your record, and move forward with your life.
📍 Pasadena, CA
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
You deserve a defense that treats your case with respect and strategy. Reach out now—it’s your future.
