Dallas Public Intoxication Lawyers
Trey Porter | Last Reviewed: July 2026
Trey Porter Law defends people charged with Public Intoxication in Dallas and across DFW. The firm represents clients charged under Texas Penal Code § 49.02 in municipal courts and Justice of the Peace courts across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton Counties.
The firm has earned more than 900 five-star reviews across Google and Avvo.
Dallas Public Intoxication attorney Trey Porter has more than 15 years of experience defending Public Intoxication charges in Texas courts and has never had a client convicted of Public Intoxication.
Trey Porter Law provides full-service Public Intoxication defense from start to finish. The firm attends court hearings on clients’ behalf when allowed, reviews and challenges the evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and handles each case with care through final resolution.
Trey Porter Law has secured dismissals in Public Intoxication cases arising from arrests in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, Lower Greenville, DFW Airport, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and other entertainment and travel hubs across North Texas.
A Public Intoxication conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Arrest records and mugshots can remain publicly accessible on background checks. Dismissal preserves expunction eligibility. A conviction is permanent.
Dismissal is the #1 Goal.
- 1,000+ Public Intoxication and criminal defense matters handled
- No client ever convicted of Public Intoxication
- Dismissals secured through motions to suppress evidence
Can You Get a Public Intoxication Charge Dismissed in Dallas?
Yes. A Public Intoxication charge can be dismissed in Dallas if the State cannot prove every element required by Texas Penal Code § 49.02.
To convict, prosecutors must prove that the person was intoxicated in a public place to the degree that the person may endanger themselves or another.
Trey Porter Law has obtained dismissals in Dallas Public Intoxication cases by:
- Arguing that the facts did not satisfy the statutory danger element
- Exposing evidence that did not prove intoxication to the degree required by law
- Showing that the location did not qualify as a public place under Texas law
- Suppressing statements obtained in violation of Miranda or other constitutional protections
A dismissal matters because it can preserve eligibility for expunction. A conviction becomes part of the permanent criminal record and cannot be expunged.
Dallas Public Intoxication Defense Experience
Trey Porter Law is located at Republic Center, 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 2710, Dallas, Texas 75201, and represents clients charged with Public Intoxication across Dallas and the surrounding DFW counties.
The firm’s attorneys have more than 40 years of combined courtroom experience in Texas criminal courts. Trey Porter Law challenges the evidence, appears in court for clients when permitted, negotiates with prosecutors, and works to secure dismissals that protect clients’ records.
The firm also advises clients on employment, school, and professional licensing disclosures that can follow a Public Intoxication arrest.
Protect Your Record Today
You can’t change what happened, but you can change what happens next. Submit a form or call 214-884-2702 to speak with a real Texan in Texas. No call centers. No robots.
Dallas Public Intoxication Attorney Trey Porter
Trey Porter serves as lead counsel on the firm’s Dallas-area Public Intoxication cases. He has more than 15 years of experience defending intoxication-related charges in Texas courts and has resolved more than 1,000 criminal and Public Intoxication cases.
He is a NHTSA-Certified Practitioner in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and has completed continuing legal education in gas chromatography, Intoxilyzer 9000 operation, infrared spectroscopy, breath alcohol concentration testing, and other scientific methods used to prosecute intoxication cases.
His legal commentary has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, and Attorney at Law Magazine. He has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell, holds a 10.0 Justia rating, and is an active member of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
What Should You Do After a Public Intoxication Charge in Dallas?
After a Public Intoxication arrest in Dallas, you should contact a lawyer, identify any work or school disclosure issues, and confirm your court date.
- Find Out When Your Court Date Is Scheduled
Public Intoxication cases can involve multiple court settings, all requiring an in-person appearance. In many cases, that appearance can be handled by counsel appearing in person for the client. - Contact a Dallas Public Intoxication Lawyer Immediately
This is the most important step. You need an experienced Dallas Public Intoxication lawyer working to protect your record and pursue a dismissal. - Identify Any Work or School Disclosure Requirements
Some employers, schools, licensing boards, and military commands require disclosure after an arrest or citation. This issue can be especially important for healthcare workers, teachers, law enforcement personnel, active-duty military, and students at TCU, SMU, and UT Dallas.
What Should You Not Do After a Public Intoxication Charge in Dallas?
Do not pay the fine. Paying the fine usually results in a criminal conviction and permanent criminal record. It does not make the case go away.
What Are the Penalties for Public Intoxication in Texas?
The penalties for Public Intoxication in Texas can include a fine, court costs, community service, classes, counseling, and a permanent criminal record if the case ends in conviction. Public Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.02.
The direct penalties are limited, but the real risk is the conviction itself. A Public Intoxication conviction can follow someone on background checks, school applications, housing screenings, and professional licensing reviews.
That is why the cost of conviction is often much greater than the fine. What looks like a minor offense can create long-term consequences that are far more expensive than the court punishment.
For a broader explanation of Texas Public Intoxication law, see the Texas Public Intoxication guide.
How Serious Is a Public Intoxication Charge in Dallas?
A Public Intoxication charge in Dallas is serious because a conviction creates a permanent criminal record.
Public Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.02 and carries up to a $500 fine. Arrest and court records can also appear on background checks unless the case is later expunged.
Depending on the court and the outcome, the judge can order classes, counseling, or community service. Minors under 21 can receive stricter court-ordered requirements.
Public Intoxication records can affect employment, housing, education, and professional licensing background checks while the case is pending and long-term if the case ends in a conviction.
Criminal Records Are Public Records.
Trey Porter Law offers free consultations. Submit a form or call 214-884-2702 to talk about options for avoiding a criminal conviction and clearing your record.
What Happens After a Public Intoxication Arrest in Dallas?
After a Public Intoxication arrest in Dallas, the case is set for court in municipal court or Justice of the Peace court, depending on where the arrest occurred.
The first court appearance is usually procedural. In many DFW courts, in-person attendance is required unless the defendant is represented by counsel.
Missing a scheduled court date can lead to a warrant, additional fines or court costs, and a case that becomes harder to resolve.
How Long Does a Public Intoxication Case Take in Dallas?
Most Dallas Public Intoxication cases are resolved within 60 to 180 days.
The timeline depends on the court’s docket, how quickly evidence is available, and whether the case is resolved through dismissal negotiations or court settings.
Does a Public Intoxication Charge Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes. A Public Intoxication charge can appear on background checks while the case is pending and can remain visible after dismissal unless the case is expunged.
Public Intoxication records can affect:
- Employment offers and promotions
- Professional licenses and licensing board reviews
- Military service and security clearances
- Internships and early-career opportunities
Mugshots, arrest records, and court records can also remain publicly accessible unless the case is later cleared through expunction.
Arrested for Public Intoxication at DFW Airport?
A Public Intoxication arrest at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.02. The airport location does not change the legal elements or the State’s burden of proof.
An arrest at DFW Airport creates a public record. Paying the fine results in a conviction. A dismissal preserves eligibility for expunction under Texas law.
DFW Airport Public Intoxication cases are filed in municipal or Justice of the Peace court and come with court dates that still require attention, even for out-of-state travelers.
Trey Porter Law regularly represents out-of-state clients charged with Public Intoxication at DFW Airport and appears in court for clients when permitted while pursuing dismissal.
Results Matter Most
“Trey Porter Law communicated extremely well with me and quickly answered any concerns I had throughout the process. They also helped me resolve my issue in a very favorable manner.”
“Trey Porter Law lives up to all the great reviews. I thought my life was over when I was charged. Mr. Strickland fought hard for me, was always there when I had any questions and gave me the best possible outcome. Anyone looking for a DWI attorney in Texas should definitely choose Trey Porter Law.”
“The most reliable and trustworthy law firm! From the moment I reached out to them to the time my case was closed, everyone there made me feel comfortable and taken care of in a scary situation. Highly recommend.”
What Are The Consequences for College Students Arrested for Public Intoxication?
A Public Intoxication arrest can trigger both court penalties and school discipline for college students in Dallas. Public Intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.02, but for students at TCU, SMU, and UT Dallas, the consequences often extend beyond the ticket.
A Public Intoxication case can impact:
- Code of Conduct proceedings
- Fraternity and sorority status
- Athletic eligibility
- Scholarship opportunities
- Class attendance due to court settings
- Graduate school admissions
- Professional licensing character and fitness reviews
- Employment background checks
The risk is not the fine. The risk is a permanent criminal record tied to a college arrest.
Trey Porter Law represents college students charged with Public Intoxication in Dallas, with a focus on dismissals that protect academic standing and future opportunities.
How Do I Get Out of a Public Intoxication Charge in Dallas?
Hiring an experienced Dallas Public Intoxication lawyer is the best way to get out of a Public Intoxication charge in Dallas.
Trey Porter Law works to get Public Intoxication charges dismissed in municipal and Justice of the Peace courts across DFW by challenging the evidence, appearing in court for clients when permitted, and protecting expunction eligibility whenever possible.
Protect Your Record Today
Trey Porter Law offers free consultations. Submit a form or call 214-884-2702 to talk about options for avoiding a criminal conviction and clearing your record.