Festival Dos and Do Nots to Stay on the Good Side of the Law

Most individuals don’t consider keeping on the right side of the law when they attend a festival. However, the majority of festival-goers prefer to enjoy themselves over worrying about getting caught or not.

We, therefore, provide a brief list of festival dos and don’ts in the spirit of the celebrations.

What to Do During a Festival

• Bring a valid ID: If you intend to consume alcohol, you must provide formal identification to show that you are at least 21 years old.
• Bring a responsible friend along: You cannot consent to any sexual activity while intoxicated. You should bring a sober friend who can fend off any nearby predators. Additionally, you’ll need a friend to drive you home as the designated driver if you drink.
• Keep in mind your Miranda rights: If the authorities detain you, keep in mind that you have the right to stay silent. If you have not yet been arrested or questioned by the police, they are not required to remind you of this right, but you are still allowed to exercise it.

Do Not at a Festival

• Purchase any illegal substances: Drug offenses are not to be taken lightly; more persons are detained for drug offenses than other offenses. You may be given a significant prison sentence if an officer discovers illegal substances on you.
• Consent to a search: The police require probable cause or consent to search for the evidence to be admissible. If you refuse to allow a search, it will be more challenging for the authorities to legally search you or your property, such as your car or your pocketbook.
• Have sex with an underage or intoxicated person: Remember that a person who appears intoxicated cannot legally consent to sex, so avoid sleeping with them. You could be charged with rape if you sleep with someone who isn’t of legal age. Likewise, avoid sharing a bed with somebody who appears to be a minor. If you want to acquire a job or find housing, it’s never a good idea to be listed as a sex offender.

How Do Drug Crimes Occur?

Crimes involving drugs are what they sound like: crimes involving drugs. Several narcotics are illegal to possess, use, manufacture, and sell in all fifty states and by the federal government. Every crime has specific requirements and is punishable differently, especially regarding how serious the offense is.

Common drug offenses include the following.

Drug possession is the most frequent infraction when it comes to drug offenses. Charges for drug possession typically occur when someone is willfully in possession of a substance without a legal prescription, for example.

Ordinarily, drug possession charges also consider the quantity of the substance, and punishments may change based on whether the quantity is intended for personal use or sale and distribution,

Creating or “cooking” a synthetic chemical substance or extracting a natural medicine is a common step in manufacturing drugs (for example, cooking methamphetamines or growing illegal marijuana). Manufacturing also includes the process of packaging medicine for sale;

The use of illegal drugs may constitute a criminal offense, particularly when the drug in question needs a prescription from a physician and the offender lacks that prescription. The sale, smuggling, trafficking, and delivery of illegal substances are all included in this category of drug crime.

They may also include crimes like drug trafficking, the severity of which is primarily determined by the quantity and type of narcotics involved.

What Kinds of Illegal Drugs Are There?

Most drugs are lawful or illegal, depending on how and for what purpose they are being used. For instance, while marijuana is now outlawed in many states, it is permitted in some for recreational use and only with a prescription in others.

Those with valid prescriptions are seen as being able to use prescription medications. On the other hand, you can face drug crime charges if you possess or use a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription.

Even in states where its ownership and usage are forbidden, marijuana is the illegal substance that is most often consumed in the United States. Marijuana regulations have recently undergone significant revisions.

Many states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, while others only allow it with a valid prescription for medical purposes.

Other frequently abused drugs that could result in criminal charges at festivals include PCP (also known as “Angel Dust”), cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and ecstasy.

What is a “Controlled Substance?”

A drug that the government controls is typically considered a controlled substance. The government typically severely regulates these substances since they can harm someone’s health and well-being.

The Controlled Substances Act categorizes various drug classes into five schedules according to their therapeutic usefulness, the potential for abuse, public safety, and propensity for dependence. Both legal and illicit drugs are considered controlled substances.

What Penalties Are Available for Drug Crime Convictions?

Most drug crimes are charged as drug possession, production, or trafficking in federal and state systems. Generally speaking, federal violations carry harsher penalties than state-level offenses. Nevertheless, the laws governing drug offenses and their associated penalties vary from state to state.

In general, sanctions are determined by:

1. The kind of substance used: The punishment is worse the more “dangerous” the drug is. As an illustration, heroin may carry a harsher sentence than marijuana;
2. The dosage of the drug: Drugs found in large amounts could have been intended for distribution;
3. Reason for possession: if the medication was meant for sale and distribution or just for personal use;
4. Prior convictions: Prior convictions of an offender may be taken into consideration when determining the sentence; and
5. Status on probation or parole: If a person is on probation when found guilty of a drug felony, their probation may be revoked.

Drug-related offenses stemming from festivals can result in various punishments, depending on the state where the crime occurred, including imprisonment, probation, fines, court-ordered counseling, community service, or loss of parental rights.

Contact a lawyer if you have any questions regarding the legal repercussions and consequences of any violations.

Are There Potential Immigration Repercussions?

Suppose the drug crime stemming from a festival results in a felony conviction. In that case, it may negatively impact the immigration status of the offender if they are not a citizen of the United States.

For instance, they may be deported right away if they are found guilty of narcotics trafficking. They may even be disqualified from applying for U.S. citizenship and be denied entry to the country if they have a history of similar drug convictions.

Do I Need to Speak with an Attorney?

Attending a festival might result in an enjoyable day out with friends, but it can also lead to bad decisions that lead to charges.

You should consult a local criminal defense attorney in your area if you are charged with a crime due to attending a festival. They can respond to any inquiries you might have and act as your advocate in any court procedures involving your criminal accusations. Also, if there are any changes to the laws that might affect your rights, your attorney can keep you updated.