If you’re arrested at an event during LA’s festival season, the legal process begins almost immediately, starting with how you’re taken into custody and where you’re held. Unfortunately, with massive events come heightened security and zero-tolerance enforcement.
These factors often coincide with more arrests than usual. Whether it’s for public intoxication, drug possession, or a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, getting arrested at a festival can quickly turn a fun day into a life-altering experience.
Situations like these raise a lot of questions, and they often leave people feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or unsure of what to do next. Since the consequences of an arrest rely on your charge, it’s wise to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer for legal advice.
Common Arrests at LA Festivals
Law enforcement officers are typically out in full force during large public events because the mix of crowds, alcohol, heat, and emotions can create a perfect storm for legal trouble.
Let’s take a look at common examples of probable cause for your arrest at festivals in Los Angeles:
- Possessing or selling drugs
- Exhibiting public intoxication
- Engaging in assault and battery
- Trespassing or refusing to leave
- Being in possession of a weapon
- Having fake IDs or drinking underage
- Engaging in disorderly conduct
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
What Happens After an Arrest at an Event
If you’re arrested at a festival in Los Angeles, you could face immediate detention, criminal charges, and court appearances, in addition to long-term consequences. The specifics of the aftermath will depend on the nature of the offense and how California laws apply to your case.
Immediate Detention and Processing
If you’re arrested during an event, law enforcement may temporarily detain you on-site before transporting you to a local jail. At larger events, there may even be a temporary holding area set up to handle multiple arrests efficiently.
Depending on the offense in particular and the situation in general, police may:
- Issue a citation and release you for low-level offenses
- Take you into custody and transport you to a local jail
- Conduct an official search of your belongings
- Seize any prohibited items, like drugs, weapons, or alcohol
If you are transported elsewhere, you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed. You could be held for anywhere from a few hours to the point when bail is posted. The length of time will depend on the severity of the offense and whether or not you have outstanding warrants.
Bail and Release
Bail is the amount of money that you have to pay to be released from jail while awaiting trial. In California, bail amounts are typically determined by a county bail schedule, which lists standard amounts based on the charge.
Los Angeles County has its own bail schedule, but judges can adjust your bail amount by increasing or decreasing it based on the following factors:
- The seriousness of the offense
- Whether or not you are a flight risk
- Any past criminal history
- Your potential threat to public safety
For many misdemeanor offenses, people might be released on their own recognizance (OR), meaning no bail is required as long as they promise to appear in court.
Court Appearances
After an arrest, you’ll be issued a court date—either listed on your citation or given during your release from custody. Missing this date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest.
Your first court appearance is usually an arraignment. At this point, your charges will be formally presented, and you’ll enter a plea:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- No contest
Depending on the plea and the nature of the charges, additional hearings may follow:
- Pretrial hearings to discuss motions and possible plea deals
- Trial if no agreement is reached
- Sentencing if found guilty
Some offenses allow for diversion programs—especially for first-time offenders or low-level misdemeanors—which can result in dismissal upon completion of certain requirements, such as community service, mental health counseling, or drug treatment.
Criminal Record and Collateral Consequences
Even a minor arrest during a festival can have lingering effects. A conviction—whether misdemeanor or felony—creates a criminal record that can impact the following parts of your life:
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- College admissions or financial aid
- Immigration status for non-citizens
- Professional licenses or certifications
In California, some misdemeanor convictions are eligible for expungement. This might allow you to petition the court to withdraw your guilty plea and have the case dismissed after completing probation or carrying out your full sentence.
However, expungement will not erase your record completely. It’s also worth noting that it might not apply in all situations.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Los Angeles if You Were Arrested at an Event
If you or someone you love was arrested at an event during festival season in Los Angeles, you’re likely dealing with more than just a bad day or a night gone wrong. It wouldn’t surprise us to hear that you’re now facing court dates and confusion about your charges.
We know that you might feel a lot of anxiety about how this set of circumstances could affect your future, and while the aftermath of a festival arrest can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to handle it alone. Instead, reach out to Simmrin Law Group as soon as possible.
We have decades of legal experience, and over 20 years in business, we’ve helped thousands of people just like you. We understand the seriousness of what you’re going through, and that’s why we’re here to fight for you. Call now for more information.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form