Public Intoxication & Public Urination, Hermosa Beach

Closing time was approaching for the bars for the evening, so the couple decided to leave a bit earlier to get an Uber more easily than facing jostling with dozens of others also seeking an Uber at 2:00 a.m.

The two then saw Robert’s liquor and the client decided to ask to use the store’s restroom. The client’s girlfriend stayed outside and our client walked in. He asked the owner if he could please use the store’s bathroom. The owner said no.

Once released, he called Greg Hill & Associates. He commented that he was very concerned he would lose his job at the airport if convicted. He knew of co-workers who lost their jobs due to a conviction and was quite fearful.

Greg explained how such cases are handled in the Torrance Superior Court by the Redondo Beach City Prosecutor’s office. Greg explained that since the client had no prior criminal history and the crimes alleged were eligible for judicial diversion, the pending charges may be resolved through judicial diversion if the judge granted this. Greg explained that otherwise, it was likely that the Redondo Beach City Prosecutor assigned to the case would characterize the case as “aggravated” public intoxication and propose a rather heavy punishment (heavier than is customary in Downey, Fullerton, Airport Courthouse and Long Beach courthouse).

Greg suggested that the client attend as many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as he could prior to the arraignment.

At the time of the arraignment, however, the client regretted to say he had attended no AA meetings at all. The Redondo Beach City Prosecutor’s offer was a conviction to public urination (and dismissal of the public intoxication charge), but with two years of summary probation, with a requirement that while our client was on summary probation, he would perform 80 hours of community service, make a $550 contribution to the Hermosa Beach public nuisance abatement fund (to pay for better lighting near the public restrooms, better signage to such restrooms and, one day, construction of more public restrooms), payment of the $348 Hermosa Beach booking fee, attend 40 AA meetings and stay away from the Pier Plaza area. Our client would also have to pay restitution to Robert’s Liquor for the bucket, if it needed replacement.

Mindful that the client would lose his job if convicted of anything, Greg asked the judge in the Torrance Superior Court to impose judicial diversion. The judge agreed, allowing our client to earn a dismissal of the case in six months if he paid the $550 nuisance abatement fee, the booking fee, did 40 hours of community service, paid restitution to Robert’s Liquor (if any claimed) and stayed away from the Pier Plaza area during the six months.

Our client readily agreed to judicial diversion to keep his job. He was happy that he had retained Greg Hill & Associates, as he had otherwise not known about judicial diversion and most likely would have agreed to the tough plea bargain offered by the Redondo Beach City Prosecutor, thereafter losing his job. This was prevented, he appreciated, by retaining Greg Hill & Associates.

For more information about public intoxication issues, please click on the following articles:

1. What Punishment Do I Face for Public Intoxication (PC 647(f))?
2. What Punishment Do I Face for Public Urination?
3. AB 2124 – The New Pilot Program for Diversion of First-Time, Low Level Offenders in Los Angeles County Only
   

Contact us.