Public Intoxication
Minn. Stat. 340A.902 — drunkenness is not a crime, though other offenses still are
In Minnesota, no person may be charged with or convicted of the offense of drunkenness or public drunkenness.
What it leaves alone. An intoxicated person may still be prosecuted and convicted for offenses other than drunkenness, and is not relieved of civil liability for injury to people or property caused while intoxicated.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionBeing drunk in public is a crime by itself | What the law actually doesNo person may be charged with or convicted of drunkenness or public drunkenness |
| The assumptionBeing drunk excuses what comes after | What the law actually doesOther offenses are still prosecuted, and civil liability for injuries remains |
Disorderly conduct, open container rules, alcohol and minors, and holds for treatment are not on this page. What a particular situation carries is a question for a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 340A.902 — Drunkenness not a crime
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.