How is public intoxication classified under Missouri law?

Under Missouri law, public intoxication is classified as a misdemeanor. This classification reflects the seriousness of the offense, which is considered less severe than a felony. Misdemeanor charges typically can result in less severe penalties such as fines or short-term imprisonment, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

The rationale behind treating public intoxication as a misdemeanor is tied to issues of public safety and order. It allows law enforcement to address situations where individuals may pose a danger to themselves or others due to their intoxication without resorting to more severe criminal charges that are typically reserved for more serious offenses.

Other classifications, such as felony or infraction, do not apply to the nature of public intoxication in Missouri. Felonies are reserved for more serious crimes that typically involve violence or significant harm, while infractions tend to apply to minor violations that usually incur a fine but do not involve jail time or criminal conviction.