If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it illegal to be drunk in public in Colorado?”—especially in places like Greeley—the answer might surprise you. While public intoxication alone doesn’t break the law, related behavior can cross the line. Colorado treats public intoxication more as a health concern than a crime, and cities can’t make it illegal on their own. However, if someone’s behavior gets out of hand—like being loud or aggressive—they might face charges such as disorderly conduct or public nuisance. At McAdams Law Office, we’ve seen how quickly things can escalate—and how important it is to have the right legal support.
Being intoxicated in public—after a night out or in an unexpected situation—does not violate Colorado law. It’s treated as a health concern, not a crime. While public drunkenness isn’t illegal, behavior while impaired can still lead to legal consequences.
In serious cases, if someone poses a danger to themselves or others, law enforcement may take them into protective custody under C.R.S. §27-81-111. This allows officers to transport the person to a detox facility or medical center to prevent harm—not as punishment, but for safety.
That said, alcohol-related behavior can quickly cross legal lines. While public intoxication isn’t a crime, certain actions while under the influence—like causing a disturbance or refusing to leave a business—can lead to charges such as:
It’s not drinking in public that causes legal trouble—it’s the behavior that may follow.
You can be arrested if your behavior endangers others or breaks the law. Being visibly intoxicated in public isn’t automatically a crime. However, if alcohol leads to unsafe or disruptive behavior, police may intervene—and charges may follow. In Greeley and across Colorado, you may be arrested if your actions put others—or yourself—at risk.
You might face arrest if you:
In Colorado, officers typically don’t arrest someone just for being intoxicated in public. Their main concern is safety, and they may offer transport to a detox center or medical care. But when alcohol leads to dangerous behavior, it can still result in arrest.
Even a minor incident involving alcohol in public can lead to serious legal consequences. If charged, you could face fines, jail time, or court-ordered treatment. In some cases, the long-term impact on housing, employment, or education can be significant.
According to the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, penalties may include:
Prior arrests or injuries during the incident can increase the severity of the case. The stakes rise quickly when alcohol is involved in a public disturbance.
Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the circumstances. This isn’t just about charges—it’s about protecting your future.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
Every case is different. That’s why we tailor our defense strategy to your unique situation—never using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Here’s what we often look at:
We also push back when the state overreaches. Maybe someone overreacted. Maybe what seemed aggressive was confusion or fear. We listen, ask the right questions, and fight back where it counts.
If you’re in this situation, here’s what to do now:
Public intoxication might not seem serious at first, but the charges can linger. Even a minor misstep can lead to lasting consequences. At McAdams Law Office, we help clients in Greeley navigate charges like these. If you’ve been cited or arrested, don’t wait. Call us at (970) 353-0002 or contact us online to discuss your situation.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.