Police will allege Joanna Laughlin was already in breach of an apprehended domestic violence order banning her from being around her mother within 12 hours of drinking when officers found her in a heavily intoxicated state - Vodka bottle in hand - on the Princes Highway on Saturday afternoon.

Court documents said Laughlin's mother had left the house about 3.40pm to run a quick errand and had been gone a little over 30 minutes when she returned home to discover her daughter smelling of alcohol.

When questioned, Laughlin allegedly told her mother she'd bought some cheap wine. An empty bottle was found in the garbage bin.

The pair got into an argument, prompting the victim to contact police and Laughlin to leave the house.

Police arrived in the suburb a short time later, however were flagged down by a business owner before they could attend the location, who reported that Laughlin was intoxicated in the street and allegedly "harassing" members of the public.

Police said Laughlin was unable to stand on her own, needed help to walk, was slurring her words and had lipstick smeared on her face.

She was also holding a bottle of Vodka, officers said.

She was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.

It is alleged Laughlin urinated in the back of the police paddy wagon and again in the holding cells, despite being offered to use of a toilet at the station.

In court on Sunday, defence lawyer Clair Carpenter said Laughlin was due to start treatment at the Watershed Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre in Wollongong on Monday.

"Her issues with alcohol and trauma are at the root of her entire criminal history," Ms Carpenter said.

"She's not getting the treatment she needs for that in custody."

Laughlin begged to be released on bail, however it was refused by the registrar. The case will return to court on Monday.