Charged with Public Intoxication? Our Massachusetts Defense Attorney Is Prepared to Stand Up for You
If you’ve been charged with Public Intoxication in Massachusetts, you need a knowledgeable and assertive defense attorney who understands how to navigate these cases with experience and insight. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a criminal defense law firm with offices in Boston and Salem. We serve clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties—including Boston, Chelsea, Lynn, Cambridge, and beyond. With a team that includes a former prosecutor, we bring a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and use it to protect your rights from the moment we take your case.
Public Intoxication, although often seen as a lesser offense, can still result in serious consequences. You may be facing not only legal penalties, but also the risk of a criminal record, damaged reputation, and barriers in your personal or professional life. Our Massachusetts defense attorneys take every case seriously because we know how significantly even one charge can impact your future.
Understanding Public Intoxication Charges in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, Public Intoxication is not typically prosecuted as a criminal offense in the traditional sense, but it can still result in legal action. According to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111B, Section 8, individuals who appear to be intoxicated in public may be taken into protective custody by law enforcement. While this is not a criminal arrest, it does result in a record that may appear in background checks under certain circumstances.
It’s important to note that if additional conduct occurs while an individual is intoxicated—such as disturbing the peace, resisting officers, or engaging in disorderly behavior—then criminal charges can follow. These related offenses fall under the broader category of public order offenses, which include actions that disrupt public peace and safety.
If you’ve been charged with a public order offense in connection with Public Intoxication, a criminal defense attorney from our team can help you evaluate your legal situation and begin crafting an effective strategy for your defense.
Who We Represent
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we provide legal defense for individuals charged with Public Intoxication and related public order offenses in but not limited to the following areas:
- Suffolk County – Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, West Roxbury
- Essex County – Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County – Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County – Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
Whether you were cited or arrested near a university, public transit area, nightlife district, or in a residential neighborhood, we are ready to stand up for your rights with firm, clear legal guidance.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for a Public Intoxication Charge
Even if you weren’t formally arrested, being placed in protective custody or cited for related conduct can have consequences beyond the courtroom. You may be dealing with:
- Impacts on employment or housing applications
- Issues with a professional license
- Immigration consequences
- A permanent record of the incident
- Court-imposed programs or probation conditions
As a criminal defense law firm, we work to prevent unnecessary records, mitigate legal risk, and protect your name. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys analyze every detail of your case, from the legality of the initial stop to whether police followed proper procedures during custody or arrest. We don’t take shortcuts—and we never take your case lightly.
How We Approach Your Case
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all legal strategies. When you contact us for a strategy session, we’ll evaluate your unique circumstances, including:
- Whether your behavior truly violated public order laws
- If your rights were infringed upon during your detainment or citation
- If there is evidence that may support a dismissal or reduction of charges
Our team includes a former prosecutor who understands how cases are built and how to challenge them from the inside. That insight lets us anticipate the other side’s approach and give you a stronger defense.
Public Order Offense Representation with Local Knowledge
Our criminal defense attorneys are deeply familiar with the courts in Boston, Salem, and surrounding cities. We understand how local judges, clerks, and prosecutors handle public intoxication and related charges. That regional knowledge is key when it comes to building effective strategies, negotiating with the court, and making sure your side of the story is heard.
Whether your case is scheduled in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk County, our criminal defense law firm is prepared to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Us Now to Set Up a Strategy Session
If you’ve been cited or taken into custody for Public Intoxication in Massachusetts—or charged with any related public order offense—don’t leave your future to chance. Our criminal defense law firm takes every case seriously and offers realistic, strategic legal guidance based on experience, local knowledge, and a commitment to your rights. We’re ready to help you in Boston, Salem, or any of the surrounding areas in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Contact us now to set up a strategy session with a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney who will take your case personally and fight for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Public Intoxication a criminal offense in Massachusetts?
Public Intoxication itself is not considered a criminal offense in Massachusetts under MGL Chapter 111B, Section 8. However, if additional behavior like disorderly conduct occurs, criminal charges may apply.
Can I be arrested for being drunk in public in Massachusetts?
You can be taken into protective custody but not necessarily arrested, unless you are also involved in conduct that violates other laws.
Will a public intoxication record show up on background checks?
Protective custody is not a criminal charge, but the incident can still appear in certain background checks. Related charges, like disorderly conduct, can result in a criminal record.
Do I need a attorney if I was only taken into custody and not charged?
Yes. Even without formal charges, your record and rights may still be affected. A Massachusetts defense attorney can help review your case and take action if needed.
Can a public intoxication case be dismissed or sealed?
Depending on your circumstances and the charge, dismissal or sealing may be possible. Our criminal defense law firm can assess your eligibility and assist with the process.