The cultural festival South by South-West is coming to a close. Almost every year since 1987, the largest music festival in the world has given Austinites a week to remember. This year, the festival ran from March 7 – March 15 and featured over 1,000 bands, film, education and art. Over 300,000 people are estimated to have attended SXSW this year, from all over the U.S. and internationally. And while next year’s festival is planned to be much smaller, there will still be hundreds of thousands of attendees.
However, while the festival is often the highlight of many people’s years, it is also the case that large festivals often result in dozens or hundreds of associated arrests for drug use and possession and Driving While under the Influence (DUI). Even though drug and alcohol use is often viewed as a cultural part of some festivals, law enforcement is often on high alert during large festivals, especially when guests are found to be disruptive, distributing substances, or try to drive home while still impaired.
Some of the most common charges faced by festival-goers include the following:
- DWI / DUI / Drunk Driving
- Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
- Public Intoxication
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Festivals like SXSW typically do a good job of providing on-site care for those negatively impacted by drugs or alcohol; however, when festival-goers leave the grounds law enforcement may end up charging the attendee for DUI or public intoxication. In addition, many underage (under 21) people attend SXSW, and are furnished alcohol by friends or family – this is a punishable offense under Texas law and can result in jail time if caught.
What Should I Do if Arrested?
If you are arrested for a DUI, drug, alcohol, or assaultative crime at or while leaving SXSW, your first step should be to speak to an attorney. While some law enforcement officers may pretend to be understanding, chances are that any details regarding your condition or story will only serve to confirm their biases and potentially incriminate you. There are a few different scenarios that may call for a lawyer.
- DUI/DWAI – If you have been pulled over after leaving SXSW, do not speak to the police about any drug or alcohol use that you may or may not have had at the festival. If you really are intoxicated or otherwise not sober, but you did not take or drink anything, it is possible that your drink or food was spiked. While this is a valid excuse, law enforcement may not believe you. Instead, ask about your rights and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
- Assault – Altercations are unfortunately often a guarantee at any festival. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in one, you may be in luck as there are likely dozens of cameras recording at any one time. If you are involved in an altercation that you did not cause, gather the contact information of nearby witnesses. If you are arrested by the police, do not provide them a statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Drug possession – While many people do use drugs recreationally at large festivals like SXSW, it is still illegal in Texas to do so, even though marijuana has been decriminalized in small quantities in Austin. If law enforcement arrests you for selling, using or otherwise providing controlled substances at or around SXSW, do not provide them a statement. Instead, ask to speak with a lawyer immediately.
Hire an Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin, TX
If you have been charged with criminal offense in Austin, TX while at or around SXSW, you need to contact the Office of Kevin Bennett immediately. Managing and founding attorney Kevin Bennett is an Austin-raised resident with a passion for what he does. To learn more about his practice and set up your first consultation free call (512) 476-4626.
The Law Office of Kevin Bennett represents people throughout the greater Travis County area including Austin, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Rollingwood, West Lake Hills and Sunset Valley.
