Sometimes if you are so intoxicated, that for your own safety and the safety of others, the police officer's eye witness observations of your behavior while walking are sufficient "probable cause" to arrest you and bring you to the station to protect you. Clearly you were released one hour later so the officers probably thought it was enough time to get it processed through your system. The fact you were not given a sobriety test or breathalyzer only come into play when you are driving. If this is your first offense and you have limited funds, you may wish to talk to a legal aid attorney to see if something can be done to help you or if you qualify for a public defender. A conviction will stay on your record, however, if you are acquitted or the charges are dismissed, you can get the arrest and the court proceeding expunged.