How to Get There
While traveling, avoid the Scenic Route. Take the interstates and ignore your GPS. The rural highways may be faster but the more rural counties surrounding Manchester, TN cash in, quite literally, on the opportunity to stop and cite those on the way to Bonnaroo.
Your Rights
You can expect if you are stopped the officer or state trooper will request to search your vehicle. You have the right to refuse a search of your vehicle. It’s your right under the 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Use it. Expect to be searched anyway but know that you saying “No”, does matter. Do your best to stay polite and be respectful. If they find anything illegal, know they have the ability to either arrest or give you a citation. Your attitude can make a difference.
The Laws.
Marijuana has not been de-criminalized in Tennessee. If caught with a small amount, you’ll likely receive a citation and have to come back to court. Simple possession of marijuana is a Class A Misdemeanor in Tennessee, punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days in jail. Know that any amount over 1/2 an ounce is commonly charged as a felony.
Mushrooms seem to be popular at Bonnaroo. Mushrooms are a Schedule I drug in Tennessee. Possession with Intent of a Schedule I drug is a Class B Felony in Tennessee. Punishment in Tennessee for a Class B Felony is between 8 – 30 years if convicted. Not kidding. That whole diversion thing we describe in other sections of our website – doesn’t apply.
In Case of (Legal) Emergency
Whether you were stopped in Murfreesboro (Rutherford Co), Cookeville (Putnam Co.) or anywhere else in Tennessee, call our Criminal Lawyers at (615) 829 – 8259.
Shipman & Crim, pllc is a Tennessee law firm based in Nashville, TN which has handled hundreds of Bonnaroo related criminal citations all across the State of Tennessee. There are special considerations that need to be made with these types of cases. Many attendees are professionals, college students and others with high career aspirations. Travel and cost is frequently an issue. Keeping a clean criminal record is critical. We strive to keep court appearances, if required, to one appearance and obtain a disposition which will enable you to keep your criminal record clean. We also receive many phone calls each year from parents – and are happy to be available to answer their questions and concerns. Call us knowing that all conversations are confidential and will forever remain confidential. You can expect that we will be honest and if you do not need an attorney, we will tell you and guide you in the right direction.
