Traveling to music festivals can expose attendees to significant legal risks, especially regarding drug possession. Recent community discussions on r/festivals reveal sobering stories of felony charges, expensive legal battles, probation, and years of consequences when caught with illicit substances en route to events.
Legal Consequences by State
- Nevada (e.g., Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas): Possession of certain drugs like GHB or Rohypnol is a category B felony, punishable by 1–6 years in prison. Other substances can lead to category E felonies, probation, or jail for repeat offenders.
- Tennessee (Bonnaroo): First offense for possession under half an ounce is a misdemeanor with potential jail time up to one year and fines up to $500. Subsequent offenses escalate to felonies with longer sentences and bigger fines.
- California: Drug possession without prescription is illegal, carrying up to one year in county jail for small amounts and harsher penalties if quantities suggest intent to sell or traffic.
For detailed state-specific statutes, resources like Shouse Law Group and Altshuler Law provide useful breakdowns.
Beyond the Legal: Long-Term Impact and Safety
- Criminal Records: Convictions may seriously impact employment, housing, and education prospects indefinitely.
- Health Risks: Immediate access to medical care can be limited at festivals, increasing dangers from adverse drug reactions.
Community-Shared Tips and Harm Reduction
Festival-goers warn about the risks but share survival tips, including:
- Avoiding festival-branded clothing or gear that may attract law enforcement attention.
- Using lockboxes or hidden compartments to conceal substances (though no method fully eliminates risk).
- Being extra cautious to not compound legal troubles by breaking additional laws during stops or encounters.
Personal testimonies from the community recount arrests for even small amounts leading to jail, drug court, or rehab, underscoring the serious stakes involved.
Summary: While community advice can help reduce some exposure, the consensus remains clear—traveling with drugs to festivals carries substantial legal and personal risks. Deciding to bring substances entails understanding these consequences thoroughly and factoring the potential long-term impact.
Source: r/festivals