Drunk and disorderly conduct versus public intoxication. You've likely heard both terminologies being used before and may have wondered what the differences are between the two. Both are used interchangeably in most jurisdictions to refer to the same crime: someone being either visibly intoxicated from drugs or alcohol in a public place. Most city and state laws classify such a crime as a misdemeanor.
If you've been charged with public intoxication, you may wonder why it's illegal to be drunk in an open space. One of the reasons being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public is against the law is because it has the potential to infringe upon others' ability to enjoy themselves.