- November 05, 2024
- Criminal Defense
Drugs and Music Festivals
In the 1960s and 70s, music festivals were synonymous with drug use. For many, that trend has continued today. Studies continue to show that concert and music festival goers, especially those attending electronic dance music events (EDMs), consume significant quantities of drugs. One study found that 73.4 percent of music festival attendees reported substance use in the past year.
While many people believe that drugs expand their minds and let them enjoy the social and musical aspects of a concert or festival more acutely, that’s not how law enforcement views drug use at music festivals. Instead, authorities tend to crack down on festivals, concerts, and the locations surrounding these areas. If you attend a festival and get high, chances are you may be coming down in police custody.
The Law Office of John Freeman wants you to know that Michigan law enforcement officers are tough on drug crimes. However, we can help if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law after an event.
Drugs Popular at Michigan Music Festivals
By far, one of the most popular substances at music festivals and concerts today is cannabis. Marijuana is legal in Michigan. However, that doesn’t mean you are free from consequences if you consume the substance and drive, if you possess or consume cannabis if you are under 21, or if you consume marijuana in public. If you get caught doing any of these things, you can face significant legal consequences and penalties involving fines, community service, and jail time.
Other prevalent drugs on the festival scene include illegal substances such as:
- MDMA, also called Molly or ecstasy
- LSD
- Psychedelic mushrooms
- Opioids
- Adderall
- Cocaine
Another mind-altering substance that you can find at nearly all music festivals and events is alcohol. People may not consider alcohol a dangerous substance, but if you drink and drive after a festival, you can face stiff penalties.
Michigan Drug Penalties
Possessing drugs at a Michigan music festival can lead to life-shattering legal consequences. Individuals may face charges such as drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, and drug distribution. Michigan drug offense convictions come with severe penalties that can change your life and saddle you with a criminal record.
Potential penalties in Michigan for possession of Schedule I substances like LSD and MDMA or Schedule II substances, cocaine, opium, and methamphetamines can include:
Less than 25 grams
- Fines up to $25,000
- Up to four years imprisonment
25 to 49 grams
- Fines up to $25,000
- Up to four years imprisonment
50 to 449 grams
- Fines up to $250,000
- Up to twenty years imprisonment
450 to 999 grams
- Fines up to $500,000
- Up to 30 years imprisonment
1,000+ grams
- Fines up to $1,000,000
- Life in prison
A Troy, Michigan, Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Don’t let a drug possession charge at a music festival shatter your life. Discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense attorney with the Law Office of John Freeman as soon as possible. Contact our office today at 248-250-9950 to request a confidential consultation. We proudly represent those in the Troy, Michigan, area.