Many folks visit the island of Catalina every year for fun in the sun, golf, water sports and other leisurely activities. The island is a short boat trip from San Pedro, Newport Beach or Long Beach.
Call Matthew for a Consult ☎️ 310-686-1533
Some who visit the island have the unfortunate experience of being arrested or detained for public intoxication or drunk in public (Penal Code 647f).
Is the charge of public intoxication on Avalon a misdemeanor? Yes. This charge is a misdemeanor which can potentially carry jail time, probation and fines. Put simply, the charge requires the prosecution to prove the person was so intoxicated by either alcohol, drugs or both to the degree they could no longer care for the safety of themselves or others. The charge shown on your ticket, “PC 647f” is sometimes referred to as “disorderly conduct” because it falls under the broad category of being disorderly (PC647).
Are there defenses to drunk and disorderly charges? Yes, the most common is attacking the arrest itself. Many officers do a mediocre job documenting the facts justifying their conclusion that you were too intoxicated to care for yourself or others. Oftentimes there are no field sobriety tests given and no objective testing of the suspect’s breath or blood. Matthew has fought and won cases by challenging the basis for the arrest and attacking the officer’s training and poor reporting of the incident.
Matthew Ruff has over a 98% Dismissal Rate on 647f!
Call ☎️ or text Matthew on his cell at
310-686-1533
Santa Catalina Island has its own city, Avalon, and has its very own Courthouse where cases involving drinking in public, DUI in a Golf Cart on Catalina Island, Urinating in Public and Disorderly Conduct are adjudicated.
What happens to a person suspected of committing the crime of drunk in public on Catalina? The ordeal usually starts with contact with a Sheriff’s Deputy from the LASD. The Sheriff’s Department patrol the island as it is actually part of Los Angeles County. If the deputy decides to arrest the suspect, they are usually taken into custody and brought over to the local jail on Avalon.
Once released from jail the person is typically issued a citation to appear in Court on the charge of violating Penal Code section 647f, a misdemeanor.
Where is the Court on Catalina? The Courthouse is located at 215 Sumner Avenue, Avalon CA 90704. The court is only open every other Friday and is not staffed on a full time basis. The Superior Court in the city of Avalon is small, only one courtroom, that is presided over by a Superior Court Judge who comes over from Long Beach every other Friday. The Honorable Judge Mirich has been the longstanding bench officer that presides over cases, however it is not uncommon to have other Judges on the bench on any given date.
What are the consequences for a drunk in public charge on Catalina Island? California law imposes a maximum of 90 days jail on a violation of Penal Code 647F. Other penalties can include informal Probation, alcohol education classes along with fines and fees.
How can an attorney help?
A criminal defense attorney can defend you in the charges to get the case dropped, in many cases. Attorney Matthew Ruff has 30 years experience fighting and winning public intoxication charges throughout California and Los Angeles County. With a high success rate and affordable fees, Matthew can take over and ease some of the stress, anxiety and worry.
Defense Attorney Ruff can begin immediately to see that the charges against you do not result in a conviction. Early intervention can result in charges being dropped, even before the Court date. Matthew can also go to Court for you if necessary, in most cases, to avoid having to take off time from work and engage in expensive travel.
Recent Case Results
Drunk in Public (PC647f), Charges Dropped!
🍹Drinking in Public citation in Avalon, near the Pier at Crescent and Catalina Avenues (5-12.02 AMC), Charges Dropped!
🚔 DUI arrest on Golf Cart (VC23152) near Descanso Beach Club, Charges Dismissed!
Public Intoxication (PC 647f) on Santa Catalina Island, Case Dismissed!
DMV Refusal, Suspension Set Aside!
Call ☎️ Matthew today for a free consultation.
310-686-1533
Matthew can be reached directly on his cell during normal business hours or you can text Matthew or email him as well at matthewruffesq@gmail.com
If you are facing a charge on the island and need a trusted Catalina Criminal Lawyer, call Matthew. Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew Ruff has 30 years experience defending good people in Los Angeles County, Long Beach, San Pedro and throughout California and those who have unfortunately been arrested on Catalina Island and need information and assistance to get through a tough time.
