Help! What is going to happen with this citation?

[DeirdreO]

Last night in Philadelphia I got a citation for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. I was wondering what the consequences for this are, on the citation it reads "police observed the defendant shouting obscenities and swinging her arms at males and females in front of her. She was belligerent and caused a crowd to form. Defendant was visibly intoxicated at the time of the incident." I know there will be a fine, what will the cost be?; and will this show on my record? Do i need to find a lawyer for my court date which is 3 days from now? I was being provoked by a crowd of people and I was very intoxicated should I plead guilty? Help!! This is my first time getting any sort of ticket like this, or getting in any sort of legal trouble. It is especially bad because they cops were trying to decide what to do last night, I could hear them talking and then they just slapped some handcuffs on me took me to the station they wouldn't tell me what was going on and next thing I know they hand me the paper that said citation, and I walked out. Please can someone tell me what all of this means and how much it will cost me? Will there be other actions taken?

[retdetsgt]

I couldn't advise you if it happened where I worked, much less in Philly. It will depend on the testimony of the officer, witnesses, the mood of the judge, etc. etc. Every case, every jurisdiction, every day is different.

If it were me, I'd get a lawyer. It will cost you money, but it might save you future grief.

[greg72982]

Last night in Philadelphia I got a citation for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. I was wondering what the consequences for this are, on the citation it reads "police observed the defendant shouting obscenities and swinging her arms at males and females in front of her. She was belligerent and caused a crowd to form. Defendant was visibly intoxicated at the time of the incident." I know there will be a fine, what will the cost be?; and will this show on my record? Do i need to find a lawyer for my court date which is 3 days from now? I was being provoked by a crowd of people and I was very intoxicated should I plead guilty? Help!! This is my first time getting any sort of ticket like this, or getting in any sort of legal trouble. It is especially bad because they cops were trying to decide what to do last night, I could hear them talking and then they just slapped some handcuffs on me took me to the station they wouldn't tell me what was going on and next thing I know they hand me the paper that said citation, and I walked out. Please can someone tell me what all of this means and how much it will cost me? Will there be other actions taken?

The fine is set by the magistrate, no one here will be able to tell you. You should have got two citations as that is two separate charges. You can bet the fines will be at least $200.00 if convicted. A lawyer is not required, but if you have the finances then go for it. It will not show on your CRIMINAL record but there are other ways to track it.

As for the plea no one here can tell you that either. That decision is yours and yours alone.

[Creeker]

In my state, Public Drunkeness is covered under the Disorderly Conduct charge, of which you plainly admit you were.

[mcsap]

Both offenses are considered Summary Criminal Offenses.

The maximum penalty for each is a $300 fine and or 90 days in jail.

Unless you are a frequent flyer , the fines will probably be in the $100 to $200 range plus the $85 court costs. Jail time is almost always reserved for repeat offenders.

Your " criminal record " will only be in house as you don't get fingerprinted for this type of a summary so your " record" will only be in Philly. If you went to Harrisburg and the police ran a background check on you , it wouldn't appear at all. This doesnt mean you cna lie and say you were never arrested in another town state because there still will be a record of it through the AOPC ( public ) website

Lesson learned. Dont get drunk and act stupid in public.