From Coachella and HARD Summer to Audiotistic and Outside Lands, summer is music festival season throughout California since the days are longer and the weather is warmer. However, undercover police officers make many arrests during these festivals since most attendees consume alcohol or use drugs.
The following are the most common crimes at California music festivals:
- Drug possession – Depending on what types of drugs police find, a person can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for drug possession. Common types of drugs include cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, and cannabis. Although marijuana is legal in California, it is still against the law to use it in public or on private property without the owner’s consent.
- Possession with intent to sell – If law enforcement notices that a person possesses a large quantity of one or more types of drugs, it is possible the individual will be charged with possession with intent to sell. Other common indicators a person may be selling drugs include a large amount of cash, a weight scale, or small baggies. If the police catch you in the act of selling drugs, you could be charged with sale or distribution of a controlled substance.
- Public intoxication – If a person becomes intoxicated enough to cause a disturbance, obstruct others, or fail to exercise reasonable care for others, he/she can be charged with public intoxication or even disorderly conduct.
- Minor in possession of alcohol – Since many music festivals welcome people over 18 years of age or even all ages, it can be easy for individuals under 21 years old to get their hands on an alcoholic beverage. In addition to being charged with minor in possession of alcohol, such individuals could also be charged with possession of a fake ID to purchase alcohol.
- Assault – Although music festivals are filled with peace and love, sometimes fights break out. When a person is involved in a fight, it is possible he/she could be arrested for assault or even worse if serious injuries occur.
Just because you have been arrested doesn’t mean that you are guilty. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side when going through the legal process can help you obtain the best possible results in your case.
If you have been arrested at a music festival in Northern California, contact the Law Offices of Evan E Zelig, P.C. today at (707) 418-5352 for a free case evaluation.