It’s that time of year again. CMA Fest.
Country music fans from all over are flocking to Nashville for a care-free, fun-filled weekend at the CMA Music Festival. Most plan on a weekend of good music, good beer, and good times. But what happens when the good times get a little too good?
cma fest: Dos & Don’ts of partying in Nashville
It’s that time of year again. CMA Fest. Country music fans from all over are flocking to Nashville for a care-free, fun-filled weekend at the CMA Music Festival. Most attendees plan for a weekend of good music, good beer, and good times—but what happens when the good times get a little too good? Don’t let your fun get squashed by a run-in with the law.
cma fest Don’t: drinking & driving
Bad Idea. Even if the closest liquor store is right around the corner from you, if you are intoxicated behind the wheel you can be arrested for a DUI. Driving under the influence is a serious charge with serious consequences, including: up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines up to $1,500, and having your driver’s license suspended for a year.
When it comes to getting around while drunk, it’s always better to find a sober alternative. For example, Joyride is golf cart service that will come to you and help you get around Nashville during the music festival weekend. You can even reserve advance pickups online!
cma fest Don’t: drug use
Wrong. Nashville might seem like the perfect place to really let loose and have a good time, but if that good time includes a bit of weed or other drugs you could be facing serious drug possession charges. If you are arrested for possession you could be facing jail time, fines, probation, or even mandatory drug counseling. Take our word for it, don’t risk it.
cma fest Don’t: I didn’t bring the drugs. I just used them.
Still wrong. Even if you don’t have the drugs on you, you can still get busted. You won’t be charged with possession, but it is still illegal to be high in a public place. So even though you might think you are getting around the rules by just getting high before the festival, you really aren’t. Nothing quite ruins a buzz like handcuffs.
cma fest Don’t: I just brought the drugs. I didn’t use them.
Nope. Drug distribution and/or selling drugs is a felony. Passing the blunt might seem like the friendly Willie Nelson thing to do, but if the police catch you, you could be facing up to three years in jail.
cma fest Don’t: sexy-time
There is nothing wrong with eyeing that cutie in the cowboy hat and taking them back to your place for some boot-knockin’—that is, as long as you have their consent and they are at least 18 years old. If he or she is too intoxicated to give consent, you do not have the go ahead for the hook up. If you do it anyway, you could be charged with felony rape, spend up to eight years in prison, and have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
Once you get consent and you are sure they aren’t a minor, take your rodeo to a private place. Public sex might sound hot, but it is also considered a misdemeanor and you could be required to take mandatory sex offender counseling.
cma fest Don’t: fighting
Slow down there, cowboy. Before you set down the Red Solo Cup and start throwing punches, just know that you could be charged with battery. Battery is defined as intentionally causing harmful or offensive contact to another individual without consent. So before you throw down because some joker is talking crap, it’s probably best to just walk away.
cma fest don’t: get arrested
Don’t panic. If you have been arrested, contact an experienced Nashville criminal defense lawyer to help. Waiting to retain legal counsel or trying to handle your charges yourself is not in your best interest. An attorney can help you protect your rights and your future.
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