Arrested at Indy 500?

27 May Arrested at Indy 500?

The 100th running of the Indy 500 is here! 

It’s the 100th running of the Indy 500 and everyone in Indianapolis, the State of Indiana and the entire country are looking forward to the race on May 29! With tickets sold out, they even lifted the TV blackout this year! With Carb Day on Friday, Legends Day on Saturday and the Indy 500 on Sunday, it’s sure to be a fun filled weekend. 

However, if you find that you had a little too much fun and end up arrested at Indy 500, you will need an experienced attorney on your side. As a former deputy prosecutor in Marion County, Indiana, Julie Chambers has experience both prosecuting and defending criminal charges, giving her unique insight and experience. 

Arrested at Indy 500? What happens after being stopped by police at IMS? 

If you are suspected of a criminal offense during the Indy 500 weekend, either at IMS or at another location in Indianapolis or the surrounding communities, you will either arrested at the scene or summonsed. If you are arrested, you will be taken into custody and processed at the police station. You may be released on your own recognizance (ORd) or you may be required to post bail. Alternatively, if you are given a summons, you will not be taken into custody, but instead given a ticket and a future date to appear in court. 

Common criminal charges after being arrested at Indy 500

To help those race fans heading out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, below is a list of some common charges for those arrested at Indy 500 or elsewhere in Indianapolis during race weekend. This is not a complete list, but hopefully it helps race fans plan their Indy 500 trip to have a fun, but safe, weekend. However, if you or a friend do end up being arrested or summonsed during the Indy 500 at IMS, Chambers Law Office is here to help! 

ALCOHOL OFFENSES

• Public Intoxication – It is a Class B misdemeanor if you are are found to be intoxicated in public and either endanger yourself, another person or cause a disturbance or annoyance.

• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (Underage Drinking) – If you are under 21 and caught with alcohol, you may be arrested or given a summons to appear in court for minor in possession of alcohol as a Class C misdemeanor.

• Possessing or Using a False ID – This is a Class C Misdemeanor. It is illegal to use a fake ID to obtain alcohol or give a false statement as to your age in order to obtain alcohol. If cited, you may be arrested or given a summons for a court date.

• Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor – It is illegal to knowingly or recklessly sell, exchange, purchase or provide alcohol to a minor. This offense is a Class B misdemeanor. However, if it can be shown that the offense caused serious bodily injury or death to another person, it may be charged as a felony.

• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Depending on the level of intoxication this is typically charged as a Class C or Class A misdemeanor (sometimes both). If the person has a prior conviction or causes injury, it may be filed as a felony.

RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Resisting Law Enforcement – This is a Class A misdemeanor in most cases. Whether valid or not, this is often charged when an officer believes the person is not complying with orders. You may be charged with either forcibly resisting, by physically resisting the officer, or you may be charged with resisting by fleeing, if you run away.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT/BATTERY

• Disorderly Conduct – A person who engages in fighting or tumultuous conduct, makes unreasonable noise and continues to do so after being asked to stop, or disrupts a lawful assembly of persons may be arrested for disorderly conduct. This offense is a Class B misdemeanor.

• Battery – If you get into a fight at the speedway, you may be arrested for battery. If you touch another person in a rude, insolent or angry manner or with bodily fluid, you can be charged with battery as a Class B misdemeanor. If injury is charged (including pain) it is a Class A misdemeanor. However, if moderate injury is alleged or the offense is committed against a public safety officer, it may be filed as a Level 6 felony.

MARIJUANA

• Possession of Marijuana – Marijuana possession is a Class B Misdemeanor, unless you have a prior conviction, then it can be enhanced to a Class A Misdemeanor. If more than 30g are alleged, then it may be filed as L6 felony.

• Possession of Paraphernalia – If you are arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia, such as a bowl or pipe, the offense is a Class C misdemeanor, unless you have a prior conviction, then it may be a class A misdemeanor.

Most people end up having a fun weekend without any issues or encountering the police. However, if you do find yourself in trouble and are arrested at the Speedway, Chambers Law Office is here to help. As a former deputy prosecutor, Julie Chambers has experience both prosecuting and defending many criminal offenses, including, alcohol offenses, resisting law enforcement, battery and marijuana charges. If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney after the fun of the Indy 500 is over, call Chambers Law Office!

*You should always discuss your case with an attorney, as each case is different and no two cases will be handled the same. This blog should not be a substitute for qualified legal advice.