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Drunk In Public

Va. Code 18.2-388 — intoxicated in public, a Class 4 misdemeanor

In Virginia, being intoxicated in public, from alcohol, a narcotic or any other drug, is a Class 4 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of not more than $250.

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Where there is a court-approved detoxification center, an officer may have the person taken there in place of an arrest, but no one may be held there involuntarily.

Sources for this section (2)
  1. Va. Code 18.2-388 — Intoxication in public; penalty
  2. Va. Code 18.2-11 — Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.

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