How to Avoid Getting Arrested at Bonnaroo

We’re gearing up for the 14th Annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in June where we’re expecting upwards of 90,000 people to descend once again on the sleepy town of Manchester, TN. We love it when people come to enjoy the music, the art and the 4-day-long, raucous good time, but we also want people to be safe while they are enjoying the festival. Towards that end, here are some helpful pieces of information to keep in mind while you are traveling to the show, enjoying yourself on the festival grounds, and when you are leaving.

Bonnaroo arrests by the numbers

Last year, according to WGNS radio, the Coffee County Sheriff’s department issued 258 citations for various charges including thefts, fights domestic disturbances, etc. The city of Manchester police made 60 arrests, issued 45 citations and seized $38,000 in cash.

Bonnaroo is a Bonanza for law enforcement

Let’s face it. Bonnaroo is a four-day, outdoor music festival, and it is a foregone conclusion as evidenced by the arrest numbers each year that some attendees will use illegal drugs while on the festival grounds. But we want to you approach the situation fully informed about possible outcomes.

In the days leading up to, during and after the festival, law enforcement will be in the areas surrounding the Bonnaroo festival and all up and down the Interstate 81 corridor. There is even a pop-up courtroom on site with a presiding judge to hear Bonnaroo crime cases the same day for people who break the law. So follow these tips and your experience at the ‘Roo won’t be tarnished by a stay in lockup because you got busted.

• Check to make sure all of the safety equipment on your car is in good working order and that your registration and insurance are up-to-date.
• Do not drink and drive
• Do not smoke marijuana and drive
• Don’t let your passengers do so either
• Obey the traffic laws
• If you get stopped by the police, be polite and respectful – and do not consent to a search

If you get arrested do not say anything. Request to speak to your lawyer and exercise your right to keep your mouth closed until you have spoken to your lawyer.

If you should need a Bonnaroo lawyer while you are in Tennessee, contact Jeff Cherry of Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC in Lebanon for a free consultation. Attorney Cherry works with attendees who live in Tennessee and those who live outside of the state, and will help to get you back home where you belong.