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.
Contact us for a free attorney consultation today
Call us now at +1-888-902-4129 or fill out our online form:
SBBL Law Electric Forest Reviews
Posted by Marvin
March 24, 2020
Great lawyer with an amazing team.
Upon our first meeting, I left Gary’s office feeling confident in hiring him to fight my case regarding Electric Forest. With Gary’s experience, connection, and excellent team, he was able to get my case dismissed. What initially was a felony possession with intent to distribute charge had been reduced to just a felony possession. Upon further reviewing the police report, Gary, with assistance from his associate, Laura, was able to discover enough details to file a successful motion to suppress evidence based on an illegal search and seizure to have the charges against me dropped! Throughout the whole process, Gary and his team continuously made me feel that I made the right decision in hiring him to fight my case. His office manager, Tammy, was excellent in communicating with me and helped with every detail, from rescheduling court dates, prompt responses to emails and phone calls, and even getting my bond back. I would highly recommend hiring Gary if you want a lawyer who is not out for money but uses all his experience and resources to help you get the best possible outcome!
Posted by anonymous
February 20, 2019
Best Electric Forest Attorney. Hands Down.
I was looking at several drug charges with a federal minimum of 12 years. Gary was able to settle my case with zero jail time and minimum probation. I didn’t think it was possible to achieve such a blessing after such a royal screw-up, but Gary was there when I needed him most.
Posted by anonymous
January 8, 2020
Gary is guaranteed the best Electric Forest Lawyer. Don’t go anywhere else. Gary is the best in town.
I could really go on and on and on about Gary and his assistant Tammy. Tammy is quick on emails, follows up fast, and gets things done, and precise. Gary is the same. He is thoughtful, empathetic, intuitive, and what I love most: ACTION oriented. I got in a massive mess at Electric Forest and in more ways than I could’ve ever imagine I almost ruined my life and business. I emotionally hired another lawyer that charged me two times the fee Gary did and legitimately scammed me. 100% if I went with this other lawyer I’d be in jail. DON’T mess around with other people, Gary Springstead is the best and only lawyer I’d ever use for Electric Forest. I dub him the Electric Forest Lawyer. Gary called the prosecutor, knows everyone internally, has a really amazing reputation with judges and just is fair and honest. Fair and honest is a huge deal and he does what he says he will do and that is another differentiator. I am not biased. I am telling you, Gary saved my life. I’d be in jail without him, he got me a 7411, he saved me time and energy getting my cases in the AM so I could drive back to work and be first out since I am an out-of-towner. He looks at the details and shoots you straight. Gary’s advice and the way he assimilates information and prescribes the solutions is Ph.D. style. He doesn’t overpromise, he UNDERPROMISES and OVERDELIVERS. He knows what he is doing. Go with Gary, don’t be a fool and waste money like I did. Gary’s fees are fair and you get WAY more than you can bargain for with him.
