Drunk in public?

June 3, 2005 | self / vanity

[The Other Harry]

Several of my recent threads / comments have related to a DUI arrest I recently had. I will not defend that.

One of the more interesting subjects which came up when I was in jail was whether you can be arrested for "drunk in public" when you are on your own property.

My position is that this should not be possible. I like to sit out on my front porch, have a drink or three, and study my shubbery. I am not driving or doing anything else which I consider to be wrong.

The overwhelming consensus among my cell-mates is that you can be arrested for doing that. "They" will arrest you anytime they want for anything they want. You will also be convicted.

Opinions?

[bmwcyle]

I didn't want to be drunk in public. I wanted to be drunk in a bar.

[Fierce Allegiance]

The keywords alone were worth bookmarking on you last drunken rant thread. You should really give up the bottle, bro.

BTW, do not piss off (or on) the judge.

[Fierce Allegiance]

Judging by your recent posts & your about page, I strongly suggest you grow up. Right quick, too.

[beaureguard]

LOL - wondering how long it would take somebody to post Ron White.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

I think the "Democrat in you" has a drinking problem.

[Fierce Allegiance]

133 seconds - lol.

[Tax-chick]

"Public drunkenness" is an offense in many juridictions, if someone complains. If you're pickled on your porch quietly, probably nobody would say anything, as long as you go to the bathroom inside. If you're shouting at the shrubbery, a neighbor is likely to call the cops, and the cops can arrest you.

[alisasny]

check your freepmail do respond

[martin_fierro]

MORE fun with keywords

[The Other Harry]

as long as you go to the bathroom inside

Always.

One of the other things that worries me is ever being accused of child molestation. "Wennie wagging" would do that.

I stay away from several areas of the local park for that reason.

I do drink too much, but I don't bother the children. Never.

In a way, that is unfortunate. I like kids. I just don't feel that I can get near them.

[SoothingDave]

One of the more interesting subjects which came up when I was in jail was whether you can be arrested for "drunk in public" when you are on your own property. My position is that this should not be possible. I like to sit out on my front porch, have a drink or three, and study my shubbery. I am not driving or doing anything else which I consider to be wrong.

Your porch may be private property, but if you stand out there naked, you would be arrested for public exposure.

Same idea. If your drinking behavior is causing a spectacle for your neighbors or the public driving by, you could expect to be in violation of the public peace.

SD

[kingu]

My friend says: What happens in the back yard stays in the back yard.

[MRMEAN]

Flying High
Jay(AP)-A Delaware County deputy says residents were unnerved by a man who was shooting a cannon-like device in his front yard and flying an American flag upside-down. Michael Marteney was arrested on a public drunkenness complaint yesterday. Marteney told authorities he just wanted attention so someone would help him with his drug problem.

[Tax-chick]

I like kids. I just don't feel that I can get near them.

It is sad that things have to be that way. Often, children are cut off from unrelated adults because we're so concerned about the possibility of sexual predators. And it's a realistic concern - but still deprives children of social contacts that might be valuable for them.

I drink too much sometimes, too. We all have our failures.

[Fierce Allegiance]

One of the better ones: SHIRTLESSATTHE711

[USF]

I'm pretty sure that you would have to be deemed some kind of "public nuisance," for them to come and arrest you on your own property... then again, I'm not a lawyer, or cop.

The larger and way more serious issue here is of course the way alcohol has affected your life, and how it has managed to get you into the situation you find yourself in.

I think those are the answers you really need.

Please take some time to look inwards and reflect on this, and consider if it's a road you want to keep going down.

There are a lot of places, and loads of good people that can help you address your apparent need for alcohol... so I wish you all the best, and hope some of the good people here can add something useful to this.

[The Other Harry]

Your porch may be private property, but if you stand out there naked, you would be arrested for public exposure.

I also sit out my *back* porch naked sometimes. None of their business.

[Fierce Allegiance]

Try being a softball coach. I am on the edge all the time coaching my 8&9 year old girls team. I love the kids, and would never hurt them. It's the parents who know I am fairly well off who I am afraid they will sue me.

Harry's reasoning i am sure is different.

[Constitution Day]

BOTTLEINFRONTOFME; FRONTALLOBOTOMY