Public intoxication or drunk and disorderly laws vary from state to state, but generally these charges occur when a person displays some evidence of intoxication in a public place. The intoxicated person is usually being obnoxious, aggressive, or violating the rights of others, or rules that are associated with a particular venue.
In Ohio, public intoxication is not a criminal offense under state law. This means that an individual cannot be arrested solely for being drunk in public. However, Ohio does have a statute known as 'Disorderly Conduct' under Ohio Revised Code Section 2917.11, which can apply to situations where a person is voluntarily intoxicated and their behavior is offensive, or poses a risk of harm to themselves, others, or property. This can include being unreasonably loud, engaging in fighting, threatening harm, or behaving in an aggressive manner. The charge can be a minor misdemeanor, but if the intoxicated person persists after a warning, or if their behavior is more serious, the charge can be elevated. It's important to note that local ordinances in various Ohio municipalities may have their own regulations regarding public intoxication and related behaviors.
