Alabama Public Intoxication Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq. | Last reviewed October 22, 2024

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In Alabama, a person who presents a danger to themselves or others in public due to their intoxication can face jail time. Someone who is under the influence and whose offensive conduct annoys people in their vicinity can also face public intoxication charges. Penalties can include a $200 fine and up to 30 days in county jail.

In the state of Alabama, law enforcement can charge a person who is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in public and endangers themselves, other people, or property, with public intoxication charges.

Similarly, a person who acts in an offensive manner in public while under the influence may find themselves in trouble with law enforcement. A conviction for public intoxication in Alabama carries up to a 30-day jail sentence, a fine, and community service.

This article summarizes Alabama’s laws and penalties for public intoxication. For more general information, read FindLaw’s article on public intoxication.

Public Intoxication Laws: Overview

The following table provides an overview of the state of Alabama’s laws regarding public intoxication.

Code Section

Code of Alabama, Title 13A Criminal Code, Chapter 11, Article 1

§ 13A-11-10

Public Intoxication

A person who is in a public place under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs to a degree that they endanger themself, another person, or property, or their boisterous offensive conduct annoys another person in the vicinity, is guilty of the crime of public intoxication. (§ 13A-11-10(a))

Public intoxication is a violation, which is less serious than a misdemeanor. (§ 13A-11-10(b)). A person convicted of public intoxication may face up to 30 days of county jail time and a $200 fine. (§§ 13A-5-7(b); 13A-5-12(b))

Note: The Alabama legislature, high court decisions, referendums, and other means can change state laws. Contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney to learn how the state's current laws might apply to your situation.

Related Resources

The links below provide additional information about Alabama law and topics related to public intoxication:

You can also visit FindLaw’s U.S. Code section to browse other states’ laws related to public intoxication.

Facing a Charge of Public Intoxication? Contact an Attorney for Help

Whether you face public intoxication charges in Auburn or other criminal charges in Birmingham, a criminal defense lawyer can help. An experienced attorney can provide specific legal advice and defense strategies for your criminal charges, along with information about the following:

You could face substantial jail time and fines if you commit a criminal offense. Contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney today to get started on your defense.

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