While you may often hear them mentioned in similar contexts, a public intoxication charge is not the same as a DWI. “Intoxicated” does not even have the same meaning in the charges. “Intoxicated” for a DWI means having lost normal use of physical and mental faculties and/or having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher while driving. In the context of a public intoxication charge, however, “intoxicated” means a person is a danger to him - or herself or a danger to others.

Furthermore, police officers typically videotape DWI suspects when they are pulled over and when they arrive in jail. DWI suspects also must submit to a blood alcohol concentration test upon their arrest. No such procedures exist for public intoxication charges. Finally, public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor, which is the lowest class of offense. Punishment may include a fine of up to $500 but jail time is not possible.

If you have been charged with a DWI contact the Texas DWI Defense Lawyers at Grossman Law Offices.

Related articles:
Dallas misdemeanor cases
Types of DWI cases
Types of probation

Questions answered in this article:
What are the differences between DWI and public intoxication?
How do you test for intoxication for DWI?
Do you take a blood test for public intoxication?