Middle Tennessee Hosts Two Large Music Festivals: Know the Law and Be Smart

Middle Tennessee is the spot where two large music festivals will be held this week.  Both events are set for June 9 through June 12, 2016.   Both attract huge numbers of fans and draw the attention of law enforcement.

Nashville hosts the CMA Fest.  Throngs of country music fans, nearly 90,000 last year, will descend on Nashville to attend concerts by well-known artists, walk by famous sites on lower Broadway with bands blaring country music that can be heard on the street, and delight in the festive atmosphere.

Coffee County, a small rural county, is the venue for Bonnaroo.  Ninety thousand fans are expected to attend, hear famous bands play and thrill huge crowds, dance to the music, revel in the atmosphere, delight in the fun times, and participate in the unique Bonnaroo experience.

Most people who attend these festivals will drive to the festivals.  Undoubtedly, motor vehicles will clog the interstates, highways, and roads in and around Nashville and Coffee County.  State troopers, county deputies, local police officers, DUI and drug task forces, and canine units will be on patrol.

The Law and words of caution:

Drinking and driving – If you are convicted or plead guilty to DUI (driving under the influence) in Tennessee and are a first time offender, you will face a mandatory minimum jail sentence: two days in jail plus fines, costs, and loss of your driver’s license for one year. (You may be able to receive a restricted license).  If you have a prior DUI conviction and are convicted or plead to a second or subsequent DUI charge, the mandatory minimum jail time increases fast, and the fine goes up as well.

Drugs – Though several states have decriminalized marijuana, Tennessee has not.  Even using or possessing a small amount of marijuana is a crime in Tennessee.  Using or possessing other illegal drugs or prescription pain killers without a valid prescription also is illegal in Tennessee and, depending on the drug, may result in large fines and substantial jail time. Moreover, the State may seize your vehicle and money.

Upshot: Try to avoid raising suspicion and do not give the police a reason to stop you or your vehicle.  Here are some tips:

First, be careful and avoid trouble.

Second, drive carefully, safely, and defensively and focus on your driving. Do not speed, and strive to obey all traffic laws, even minor ones.   Law enforcement can stop a vehicle for minor traffic violations, and officers are trained to move from a simple traffic stop to finding a reason to justify searching a vehicle.  Distracted or aggressive driving gives the police a reason to make a traffic stop.

Third, do not drink or use drugs while you drive.  The penalties and consequences for DUI are real.

Fourth, do not draw attention to yourself. Keep a low profile and be polite and courteous to the police. If you are stopped, do not argue with them.  Rowdy behavior will draw unwanted attention from the police.

Finally, if you are issued a citation or arrested, call an experienced criminal defense attorney.  For more information, contact Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Perry A. Craft.