713-224-5529

Are Sobering Centers The Answer to Public Intoxication?


Sobering Centers The Answer to Public Intoxication

In movies, public intoxication is a harmless venture done by most adults. Unfortunately, the real world has some sobering consequences for people who are openly drunk. Inebriated individuals in public areas could face criminal charges and staggering hospital bills. The city of Houston has tried to rectify this problem by implementing structures called “sobering centers.” Sobering centers provide individuals a safe place to sober up. People placed in sobering centers aren’t criminally charged, and even are provided referrals for alcoholism treatment. Not only do patients benefit, but so do law enforcement. The less time officers spend booking and arresting inebriated people, the faster they can address more serious crimes. The center in Houston at 150 North Chenevert Street called the The Recovery Center has been open since April 2013 and has seen hundreds of inebriated people. Each of these clients were cared for until they sobered up, offered medical treatment and avoided any type of criminal charges.


The Cost of Public Intoxication

It’s embarrassing to say the least when you’re inebriated in a public place. However, most people don’t consider the cost of being publicly intoxicated. If you’re sick to the point of needing medical care, then you could be paying thousands of dollars for an emergency room. This doesn’t even take into the account the cost of emergency medical service transportation which can reach up to $900. Even if you’re not sent to the hospital you could face overwhelming cost. Police officers are required by law to either arrest a publicly intoxicated person or send them to the nearest hospital. If you’re sent to jail, you’ll be required to pay for the cost of booking, which could include bond. You could even be charged with public intoxication which is a criminal offense. Austin’s sobering centers give inebriated people the choice of where to go. If you’re arrested for public intoxication, you can ask for the officer to drop you off at the sobering center. The only exception to this is if you were in the commission of another crime while you were publicly inebriated. Sobering centers can also be useful if you’re with someone who is intoxicated. You can contact 911 and request they’re taken to the center. You will no longer be legally responsible for them and the sobering center will do a medical assessment to ensure your friend isn’t dangerously intoxicated.


How Does the Sobering Center Work?

You can choose to go to the sobering center or be taken there by a friend or police officer. Once you’ve arrived, the facility will do a quick medical evaluation with their paramedics on staff. If you’re intoxicated to a dangerous level, the center will ask for emergency medical services. After the assessment you’ll be guided to a gender segregated dorm. You’ll be assigned a cot or recliner to rest while you try and sober up. You also may be offered fresh clothes and food to help metabolize the alcohol in your system. Counselors and other staff will be available to you during your stay. They can assist you with treatment referrals and ways to avoid an alcohol dependency. The Sobering Center is not a detention facility. This means you can leave on your own even if you’re still under the influence of alcohol. The Center may have an Austin police officer on duty to measure your intoxication level. It’s important to understand if you leave intoxicated you could be criminally charged.


The Effect of Sobering Centers

Public intoxication costs cities hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost time and resources. Officers who use sobering centers shave off a large amount of time that would have been used for booking and arresting. In addition, medical facilities are able to redirect their focus on patients in need rather than tending to intoxicated people. The issue of public intoxication affects everyone. It distracts police officers and can sometimes lead to alcohol-induced crime such as criminal mischief. It’s also a serious public health issue which can affect productivity at work, school and even raise health care costs. The Sobering Center saves money for both the healthcare industry and the city. It also provides people with the treatment tools they need if they have a chemical dependency. This leads to less public intoxication arrests, unnecessary criminal charges and public intoxication incidents.


This blog was last updated on March 12th, 2019.

Client Testimonials

  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler and his team are top notch—with years of experience under their belts they know what strategy will work to advocate for the best possible outcome. They are knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. Like a doctor, you never know you hire a bad attorney until it’s too late, and don’t take a gamble and retain someone else, especially when the clock starts running quickly, once you are arrested for a DWI. Run, don’t walk, to retain Flood and Associates!"
    - Alyssa S
  • 5 Stars
    "So. I can't say enough about Tyler Flood and Associates! BRAVO!! I had a 3rd DWI and my daughter Googled Tyler & Co. Who are DWI SPECIALISTS! I set up an appointment, and was impressed with their knowledge on the Laws and Science of DWI cases! Hank👍💥💥💥💥💥👌"
    - Hank Baerga
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler Flood did an excellent job in taking care of my situation when no other attorney could do so. He kept communication open by way of text messages and phone calls, I was inform in every step along the way and he represented me well in court. His assistant Andrea was very quick in responding to my emails, I felt comforted by their genuine concerns of my case. Highly recommended"
    - Tamra Elwell
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler Flood and associates are an astronomical team. Tyler was aggressive when needed to be and very professional during my trail. He left no stone unturned. I highly reccomend Mr. Flood if you ever find yourself in a situation such as myself. The not guilty verdict for a dwi was the best! "
    - Magaly
  • 5 Stars
    "Great experience under terrible circumstances...when your future is at risk, the attorney you chose could decide your fate..Flood & associates took my case personal...I felt I was represented by family...highly recommend Tyler to everyone!"
    - Brent
  • 5 Stars
    "I personally want everyone to know, this is the best law firm for dui issues! They are professional and responds all the time, communications between the office and myself was on par at all times and bottom line. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!"
    - TW David C.
  • 5 Stars
    "Tyler did a great job for me. I never felt like he wanted me to settle. In fact he would encourage me to hang in there and go to trial. In the end my DWI was dismissed the day of trial. I would definitely recommend them."
    - Robin
Read More Testimonials
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • The American Chemical Society
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Best DUI Lawyer
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
  • Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • The American Chemical Society
  • National College for DUI Defense
Win an xbox Series X
Tyler Flood & Associates