Public Intoxication at Bonnaroo
Tickets went on sale in January for this year’s Bonnaroo festival, once again held at the Farm in Manchester from June 7 to June 10. The lineup for 2018 is another group of heavy hitters, with Eminem, The Killers, and Muse as headliners. Sturgill Simpson, Bassnectar, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sheryl Crow, Paramore, Kaskade and Alt-J are also on the lineup, ensuring the festival will attract a varied and fun group of music fans.
As with any multi-day festival, law enforcement tends to be out in force, handing out citations and making arrests. Last summer, authorities made 43 arrests and gave out 295 citations—up from 277 in 2016. If you plan on attending Bonnaroo this year, ensure you enjoy it, but enjoy it safely and without any stress from the police or security. However, if you do run into trouble, we can help.
Drunk in public laws in Tennessee
Public intoxication is one of the most common charges at Bonnaroo. Although it’s a minor charge—a class C misdemeanor—it still shows up on your criminal record and should be taken seriously. Remember, no criminal charge is insignificant.
We understand a music festival, especially one as jam-packed as Bonnaroo, is a place to have a great time. However, sometimes that fun can get away from you before you know it and can quickly turn into what law enforcement sees as public intoxication. This line can sometimes be difficult to draw, but the law is designed to protect people from being a danger to others or to themselves. For clarity, the Tennessee code of public intoxication reads as follows:
(a) A person commits the offense of public intoxication who appears in a public place under the influence of a controlled substance or any other intoxicating substance to the degree that:
(1) The offender may be endangered;
(2) There is endangerment to other persons or property; or
(3) The offender unreasonably annoys people in the vicinity.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
It’s possible you could find yourself facing criminal charges, simply because the factors of public intoxication are so broadly defined. And because being under the influence can impair your memory or decision-making, you may find that it’s only your word against the officer’s.
This isn’t a charge you want on your record. Misdemeanors can show up on background checks and affect employment or family issues. We understand that people make mistakes and want to help ensure that a moment of bad judgement won’t follow you around forever.
We want you to enjoy your music festival experience and, above all, stay safe. If you’re arrested at Bonnaroo, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates are here to help and protect your rights. We have offices in the Franklin, Brentwood, and Columbia areas. Call us today at 615-977-9370, or fill out our contact form.