Common Criminal Charges at Bonnaroo

Common Charges by Law Enforcement at Bonnaroo

Tennessee’s premier criminal defense attorneys protect your rights

Music festivals like Bonnaroo are excellent places to come together with like-minded people and experience amazing music, art and food. They’re also hot spots for law enforcement officials whose only goals are to make as many arrests as possible. At Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PLLC, we defend concert and festival attendees facing criminal charges at any level. From disorderly persons to DUI to possessions with intent, our skilled team of criminal defense attorneys has the experience and the resources you want on your side.

We also know that certain charges are more common before, during and after a festival, and can prepare a defense strategy that fits your needs. We always aim for having your charges dropped, but if that is not feasible we put our exceptional skills as negotiators to work for you, in order to have your charges and penalties lessened. We are staunch defenders of your rights, and offer practical counsel about what to do next.

Prevalent Bonnaroo drug charges

Where there are musical festivals there is weed – always. Marijuana possession charges are very common at festivals like Bonnaroo. It’s important to note that possessing more than .5 ounces of marijuana can lead to felony charges – and felony convictions mean fines and prison time. The cases we see the most of involve:

  • Simple possession: A class A misdemeanor, simple possession is anything under .5 ounces, punishable by up to a year in jail plus fees and fines.
  • Drug paraphernalia: You don’t actually have to have drugs on your person to be charged with paraphernalia. Rolling papers, “roach” clips and plastic baggies can all be used as evidence.
  • Intent to distribute/sell/manufacture: If you have more than .5 ounces of marijuana on you, you’re looking at felony charges. If you come from out of state, you might face federal drug trafficking charges, too. If you possess a drug stronger than marijuana, or too many prescription pills, you may also face intent charges.

Traffic tickets and DUI

Law enforcement officers are waiting for you to speed, to cross a double line, to swerve or to exhibit signs of reckless behavior. You can be charged with a DUI for any amount of alcohol in your system, but you can be convicted if you have a blood alcohol content of more than .08. A DUI conviction carries mandatory jail time, so it is imperative that you give us a call if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence.

Police can also ticket you for broken lights, air fresheners attached to your rearview window, distracted driving and/or not wearing your seatbelt. In some cases, an officer may try to use one of these as an excuse to search your car. Remember that once the citation has been issued, you are within your legal right to drive away. You do not have to allow an officer to search your car, your trunk or your glove box without a warrant, and you do not have to stay put for additional questioning once you’ve been issued a ticket.

Additional charges

The Tennessee Code Annotated defines disorderly conduct as:

  1. A person commits an offense who, in a public place and with intent to cause public annoyance or alarm
    1. Engages in fighting or in violent or threatening behavior;
    2. Refuses to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, hazard or other emergency; or
    3. Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose.
  2. A person also violates this section who makes unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities

You cannot be charged with disorderly for being rude to a cop – but that won’t stop them from issuing the ticket and trying to arrest you. It’s best to simply be polite and walk away from any potential altercation, but it’s important that you know the law should a police officer attempt to charge you.

Protecting your rights when you’re charged with a criminal offense

Lowery, Lowery & Cherry, PPLC offers comprehensive counsel to people facing criminal charges. We have successfully helped Bonnaroo and festival attendees just like you. If you’re facing DUI charges, drug charges, or any charges from your time at Bonnaroo, please call 615-444-7222 or fill out our convenient contact form.