The college school year has started up again in the fall semester. With the fall comes football, and tailgating. Many college students are underage, but still participate in the tailgating events. Accordingly, police officers (both undercover and in full uniform) are patrolling these events. Some charges that usually arise out of football tailgating are: underage consumption of alcohol, possession of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, and obstructing or opposing an officer with or without violence.
Officers usually come up to students and start investigating. According to the law, there are three types of encounters: consensual encounter, investigatory stop, and arrest. Each case is fact specific and sometimes the cases may be more complex than the police report indicates. Students may have backpacks, things in their pockets, or even not be near whatever the officer finds. Defenses may be available in these situations and the student should contact a lawyer if eventually arrested.
Due to the sheer volume of people at these events, not everyone is targeted. However, some students have the unfortunate scenario of being stopped and charged with these crimes. If you, or someone you know are charged with a crime, please contact the office of Taracks & Associates at (813) 281-2897 for a free consultation with regards to the charge.