Drug Charges at Michigan’s Electric Forest Music Festival

What is Electric Forest?

Electric Forest is a four-day music festival held in Rothbury, Michigan, that features incredible sets, the beautiful Sherwood Forest—and plenty of police officers, both undercover and not. People travel to small-town Rothbury from all over the United States for the festival.

It’s important to understand the local laws.

If you plan on attending the festival, it is essential to know your rights and Michigan’s laws, especially with officers out in full force looking for potential illegal activity during the festival. Of course, most festival-goers do not encounter any issues and are there to enjoy the music and the unique community spirit. Even so, some will get caught in a bad spot. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself at the festival.

What should I do if the police approach me at the music festival?

If you are approached by law enforcement, you can politely refuse to answer any questions and decline to consent to a search of your car or belongings. If the police stop you, ask if you are free to go, and if you are not free to go, ask for the reason you are being stopped. If an officer wants to talk to you about possible wrongdoing, such as drug activity, respectfully and clearly state that you would like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. The officer must cease asking questions at that time. But be aware that refusing to answer questions does not mean an officer cannot pat you down or arrest you if they have proper justification. Remember that no one can be compelled to answer incriminating questions against themselves once in custody unless given their Miranda rights (the right to remain silent, etc.). Once a person refuses to answer questions without an attorney, the officer must stop asking.

What happens if I get arrested?

In the unfortunate event that any arrests are made for committing a crime at Electric Forest, those cases will be handled in Oceana County, Michigan, and any federal charges will be handled at the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. In the past, Electric Forest has set up a police command post where people are processed for certain crimes and told to appear in court on a specific date to be arraigned on the charges without being taken to jail and then kicked out of the festival. For other types of crimes, such as assaults, drunk driving, or out-of-state warrants, officers are likely to take the person to the local jail to be booked on charges. Even for festival goers from out-of-state, any charges will be handled in Michigan at a future date.

What are the most common charges for people attending Electric Forest?

Individuals attending Electric Forest have, in the past, been charged with various crimes. These range from misdemeanors — like assault and battery or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI or DUI) — to felonies like drug charges. Possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances are felonies in Michigan, meaning the maximum penalty for these crimes is more significant than one year in jail. If convicted of one of these offenses, the sentences vary depending on the case’s particular circumstances. Note that possessing small amounts of marijuana is legal for individuals aged 21 and up in Michigan. However, public consumption of marijuana is still prohibited, as is possessing any marijuana on federal lands, driving under the influence of marijuana, and transporting marijuana across state lines. Marijuana can only legally be sold with proper state licensing from Michigan’s Agency for Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). So remember that marijuana is not entirely a green light in Michigan.

Help! I was charged with a crime while at Electric Forest. What should I do?

If facing a criminal charge, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney or drug defense lawyer immediately so they can start reviewing your case, examining any potential defenses, and negotiating with the prosecutor for lesser charges or possible dismissal. SBBL Law is a Michigan-based criminal defense firm representing people charged with crimes throughout the state and federal crimes nationwide. SBBL Law’s drug defense lawyers have successfully handled cases coming out of Electric Forest since the festival started in 2011, and the firm’s attorneys routinely represent clients in Oceana County courts all year round.

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