why can you get in trouble if you are drunk and instead of getting behind the wheel, you walk?

It's called "public drunkenness." It's only a misdemeanor, if anything. It's not a big deal. Drunk driving can result in the confiscation of your license, or points off your license, a hefty fine, community service, increase in insurance. Public drunkenness is a much lighter way to go.

He'll probably pay a small fine.

BTW, what they want people to do in that situation is to get a taxi, or have a sober friend drive them home. I give your friend credit for not trying to drive home like that. They just don't want people drunk on the streets for fear they could injure themselves or others.

Yes you can get a ticket, if your city has an ordinance, for being drunk in public. The justification is that you may be a danger to yourself or others. Or be more vulnerable to being hurt. This citation is left up to the police officers discretion. This may also be called drunk and disorderly. Your city may have another name for it. As a side not you can also get a ticket for riding your bike while drunk. No Kidding!!

The charge could be "Public Drunkenness" or perhaps "Disturbing the Peace." There could be a curfew issue, as you have not mentioned your friend's age. Much depends on your friend's behavior while doing this walking. Something had to attract an officer's attention in the first place.

Your friend was probably picked up for public drunkenness, or disturbing the peace. Those are misdemeanor charges that probably won't get him anything more severe than probation.

Had he gotten behind the wheel, he would have been in much more serious trouble.

depends, if they got charged for underage drinking, i guess that could be it but also, common sense: if your drunk and walking along the sidewalk, you might get hit by a car or even killed. You have no sense of motion, your dizzy, your vision is blurry, just face it. You can drink and drive, walk, play, jump or anything properly...

Drunk in a public place is a legal offense. It isn't as dangerous as driving while impaired, but is still against the law.

In all honesty, specific I even have. I even have basically ever pushed as quickly as, whilst i grew to become into so under the effect of alcohol I didnt submit to in strategies how I have been given abode. Thats frightening and frightening and that i wont ever do it lower back. I chalk it as much as being youthful and stupid.... even although Im nonetheless somewhat youthful. ingredient being, i'm getting DD's now.

Public Drunkenness; probably just a slap on the wrist

IF he is being blamed for being "disorderly" or if he is causing safety concerns for other people (like walking in front of a moving car or bumping into people)

Public Intoxication is illegal.

Fine depends upon the municipality or jurisdiction where the crime occurred.