§ 14-447. No prosecution for public intoxication. - North Carolina Statutes

§14‑447.  No prosecution for public intoxication.

(a)        No person may beprosecuted solely for being intoxicated in a public place. A person who isintoxicated in a public place and is not disruptive may be assisted as providedin G.S. 122C‑ 301.

(b)        If, after arrestinga person for being intoxicated and disruptive in a public place, the law‑enforcementofficer making the arrest determines that the person would benefit from thecare of a shelter or health‑care facility as provided by G.S. 122C‑301,and that he would not likely be disruptive in such a facility, the officer maytransport and release the person to the appropriate facility and issue him acitation for the offense of being intoxicated and disruptive in a public place.This authority to arrest and then issue a citation is granted as an exceptionto the requirements of G.S. 15A‑501(2). (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1134, s.1; 1981, c. 519, s. 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 7.)