2011 Gasparilla Pirate Festival Survival Tips
The 2011 Gasparilla Pirate Festival is set to happen on January 29. While this festival can often be a great time for people of all ages, it also can end in arrest and court appearances for many. The majority of these arrests are related to possession of an open container and underage drinking. Unfortunately, these arrests baffle many people because alcohol is sold in open containers at the event. There is a designated area in which it is supposed to be consumed; this area should be marked off with signs this year but if not, it is usually around the southbound sidewalk of Bayshore Boulevard down to the bay.
Last year, there was a large number of arrests at the festival. At Thomas & Paulk, our Tampa DUI attorneys were able to successfully get many of the charges dismissed. Police are allowed to talk to people and ascertain whether they are carrying an open container, but having an open cup is not sufficient reason to order people to stop.
There were also a number of arrests for underage drinking and carrying a false I.D. An arrest for this offense may lead to school sanctions,
community service and
license suspensions. Additionally, the Tampa police will be searching for local boaters who are boating under the influence. This is a criminal offense, and police do not need probable cause or reasonable suspicion to check a boat.
Contact a Tampa DUI Lawyer at our firm if you have been charged with any type of alcohol related crime. We may be able to get your charges dismissed!