The annual North Coast Music Festival takes place over Labor Day weekend in Union Park, in Chicago, Il. This year’s festival takes place from 8/31 to 9/2 and features dozens of bands over 3 days including daily headliners Miguel, DJ Snake, and Jamiroquai.
You can expect a large police presence whenever there is such a large crowd of music fans gathered for multiple days. In years past, people get crazy, and police will be out making arrests and writing criminal and civil citations. Both Chicago police on scene and State police other local police will be looking for concert travelers with out of town plates or musical signage on their cars.
Police are absolutely known to stop out of state cars or vehicles with North Coast Music Festival or other band stickers indicating they are traveling to the show. They will pull you over and attempt to justify a search for drugs or other contraband.
Last year, arrests on site at Union Park were primarily for drug possession, battery, theft, and trespassing. Most of the criminal citations were for trespassing charges – for fence jumping to sneak into the concert.
At the Dailey law firm, we are experienced, criminal lawyers who will work to help you avoid a criminal record and conviction for any of these charges resulting from arrest at the event.
What should I do if I’m arrested at North Coast?
First, do not admit to anything or say anything at all to avoid making an incriminating statement. If asked about what happened, simply refuse to answer until you speak to a lawyer.
Nothing you say will help you once the police are involved. You will not talk yourself out of an arrest. This just doesn’t happen. You will only make things worse by whatever excuses you give. Even if they are true and you are wrongly arrested or your rights were violated. Once the police are investigating, there is nothing you can do at that time.
I was illegally searched at the North Coast Music Festival. Can I fight my case or sue?
It depends. You can definitely fight your case, but we will have to hear the circumstances of exactly what happened.
When you enter the festival grounds at Union Park, security does have the right to search your bags and your person. They state outright that narcotics officers will be on hand, working inside and outside the event.
Once you are inside the venue, the rules are more complicated as to what might consist of an illegal search.
Give me a call to discuss what happened to you.
Can I Avoid a Criminal Conviction on a drug charge at North Coast?
Yes. If you are charged with possession of a small amount of drugs, whether it is cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, or mushrooms – there are a number of deals we can fight for to avoid a permanent conviction for drug possession appearing on your record. We have negotiated deals including second chance probation, and “drug school” that can keep your record clean after completion of a program.
If you are charged with the more serious offense of drug distribution, it gets more complicated.
For serious drug charges like distribution. we nearly always file a motion to suppress to evidence against you. Then we will dispute the points of the search as illegal search during a hearing. How the case proceeds depends on your exact situation, and the facts of your arrest.
There are almost always defense options and strategies we can pursue. And remember, you are innocent until proven guilty.
About North Coast Music Festival
The North Coast Music Festival is in its 7th year in 2018. It is known for blending musical styles, including EDM, folk, R&B, and hip-hop.
More info on North Coast defense lawyers at northcoastlawyers.com. Look for the billboard and other advertising at the show!