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The process of jailing intoxicated people, fingerprinting them, and having court hearings is lengthy and frustrating. The city also faces unsettling accusations of racism and homophobia, since some people feel that they are targeted for being a minority. So in order to save the county both time and money, Austin is creating a plan to decriminalize public drunkenness and keep people out of the criminal justice system.
The Travis County Commissioners Court is making efforts to change the laws and open a sobriety center downtown. The proposed plan would allow police to detain intoxicated people and take them to the sobriety center until they are sober. Intoxicated people would not face any criminal charges, and they would be free to leave without any consequences after they are no longer drunk. Supporters of this plan feel strongly that it would prevent the court system and county jail from being overburdened.
Other cities have put similar plans into effect and Houston reports that it has saved $1.8 million by opening a sobriety center and decriminalizing public intoxication. The City of Austin hopes this new plan will support and help people who abuse alcohol, instead of jailing and punishing them. Once this plan goes into effect officials will be able to focus on more serious crimes.
Though there are moves to change Austin’s laws about public intoxication, it is still currently a crime. Fatal accidents are on the rise here in Austin and we urge everyone to drink responsibly and to never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, especially one caused by an intoxicated driver, contact Terry & Kelly PLLC online or call them today at 512-910-2000 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
Visit: Tips For Driving In The Rain In Austin
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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