For information on DWI/DUI, please visit this page.
At John E. Choate Jr’s. office, we understand Texas Alcohol Laws are confusing. Contact us for a free consultation.
Alcoholism is a disease. Sometimes casual use goes too far. And, sometimes, Texas’s unique Alcohol Laws turn good citizens into criminals entirely by accident.
Open Container Laws
If you’ve run afoul of Open Container laws–which state any previously Open Container of alcohol must be stored in the trunk or a compartment unavailable not only to the driver but to any passenger–you need a lawyer to argue for you.
Underage Drinking
In Texas, people must be at least 21 years of age to drink in public, but there are exceptions. These exceptions can cause confusion and lead to gray areas. You need an attorney well-versed in Texas Law to help you navigate this situation.
Dry Counties/Cities
Texas contains not only dry counties, which seem straightforward enough but so-called “moist” counties–including Harris and Montgomery counties–which combine wet and dry areas. Some cities in such a county may allow the selling and purchase of liquor while others outlaw it within their city limits. These situations can lead to confusion about what behavior is acceptable from locale to locale. If you’ve been caught on the wrong side of such a circumstance, call us for a free consultation.
Disorderly Conduct/Public Intoxication
Disorderly conduct or “Drunk and Disorderly” can be a catch-all charge to address misdemeanor disruptive behavior in a public place. Public intoxication is understood as comporting oneself in public while one’s faculties–mental or physical–are impaired owing to the introduction of alcohol or another controlled substance. There are many defenses for these charges, but you need a knowledgeable attorney to help you beat the rap. Contact us to see what we can do for you; the consultation will cost you nothing.