The long, hot summer months are perfect for family get-togethers, Fourth of July picnics, block parties, festivals, and outdoor concerts—all of which tend to involve large crowds, music, and drinking. New Jersey is a hot spot for many concerts and music festivals, and with all the other things to celebrate in the summer, revelers have lots of reasons to enjoy themselves in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re going to a graduation party or you have front row tickets to one of the many concerts scheduled for this summer, you should be aware of the potential for criminal charges, and what could happen to you if you are caught breaking the law at one of these events.
Concerts and parties are great places for local law enforcement officials to wait out and observe attendees for suspicious behavior, especially if the event is attracting an older crowd with more potential to consume alcohol or use illegal drugs. Highly publicized events can lead police officers to set up drunk driving checkpoints, or station themselves at entrances and exits for bag checks and ID verification. You may not be expecting these obstacles, but it’s important to be prepared for the legal requirements of your event so that you’re not caught breaking the law.
Typical Criminal Charges for Summer Activities
Police officers who are working at a concert venue or setting up a checkpoint for attendees typically issue tickets and citations for the following crimes:
- Driving while intoxicated, either from drugs or alcohol
- Disorderly conduct – loud, disruptive, destructive, or otherwise unruly behavior can be considered a criminal offense, depending on the circumstances
- Underage drinking or possession of alcohol
Additionally, charges for open containers, littering, or even violating traffic laws are common. Concertgoers may choose to park illegally, or avoid long lines of cars entering and exiting by making their own shortcuts, which may or may not really be legal. In some venues, tailgating with open containers of alcohol may be prohibited, or even using propane grills in certain spaces may be against the law.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you head out to celebrate with friends and family this summer, here are a few helpful tips and things to keep in mind to ensure that your summer isn’t spent in the courtroom or behind bars:
- Know where you’re going, and what the rules are for alcohol consumption and general behavior.
- Make sure that everyone drinking in your party is of legal drinking age, and has the ID to prove it.
- Don’t drink and drive—take an Uber or Lyft or arrange for a designated driver.
If you’ve been charged with criminal activity related to your summer celebrations, contact Scott Gorman, a Morristown DUI attorney at The Gorman Law Firm, today. He has experience defending clients with drunk driving, intoxication, disorderly behavior, and other charges. For a discussion about your case and your options for defense, call Scott today.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
