Charged With a Crime After a Hershey Concert? What You Should Know

Concerts in Hershey bring thousands of people to the area year-round. Whether you are attending a show at Hersheypark Stadium, Giant Center, or another nearby venue, a night out with friends can sometimes end differently than expected.

For some concertgoers, an evening of entertainment can result in a citation, arrest or criminal charge. Underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to a minor, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, drug possession and DUI are among the types of charges that can arise in connection with concerts and other large events.

If you were charged with an offense after attending a concert in Hershey, Pennsylvania, you should not assume that the matter is insignificant simply because it occurred at a concert. Even a summary offense can have consequences, and misdemeanor or more serious charges can potentially affect your record, finances, driver’s license, employment, and future opportunities. Our criminal defense attorney can help answer your questions now.

Common Criminal Charges After Hershey Concerts

Large concerts can involve alcohol, large crowds, and an increased law enforcement presence. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may encounter police and face a variety of charges.

Underage Drinking

Pennsylvania law generally prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing, consuming, possessing, or knowingly transporting liquor, malt, or brewed beverages.

Underage drinking charges are among the offenses that may arise when younger concertgoers are found in possession of or consuming alcohol.

The consequences can include fines and other penalties. An underage drinking conviction can also create issues beyond the immediate financial penalty, particularly for younger people who are attending college, beginning a career, or applying for employment.

If you received an underage drinking citation after a Hershey concert, it is important to understand your options before simply paying the citation.

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor

Pennsylvania also prohibits intentionally and knowingly furnishing alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21.

A person does not necessarily have to be the person who purchased the alcohol to face allegations involving furnishing alcohol to a minor. The circumstances surrounding how the alcohol was obtained and provided can become important in determining whether criminal charges are appropriate.

Furnishing alcohol to a minor can carry more significant consequences than an underage drinking citation. Anyone accused of providing alcohol to a minor should take the allegation seriously and speak with an attorney about the specific circumstances of the case.

Public Drunkenness

Public drunkenness is another charge that can arise after a concert or other large public event.

Under Pennsylvania law, a person can be charged with public drunkenness when they appear in a public place while manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree that they may endanger themselves, another person, or property, or annoy people in their vicinity.

A person does not have to be driving to face a public drunkenness charge.

If you were cited for public drunkenness after a concert in Hershey, an attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the citation and help you understand the potential consequences.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct charges can also arise when police believe someone’s behavior at or after an event created a public disturbance.

Concerts can involve large crowds, and disagreements or incidents involving security personnel, police officers, or other concertgoers can sometimes escalate into criminal allegations.

The specific conduct alleged, the circumstances of the incident, and the available evidence can all matter when determining how to defend against a disorderly conduct charge.

Drug Possession Charges

Large concerts can also result in drug-related arrests and citations.

If police allege that you possessed a controlled substance, the potential consequences depend on several factors, including the substance involved, the amount allegedly possessed, and the circumstances surrounding the search and arrest.

Drug charges can be significantly more serious than many concertgoers initially realize. Anyone facing a drug possession charge should understand the potential consequences before deciding how to proceed.

DUI After a Hershey Concert

If you drove after attending a concert and were stopped by police, you could also face a DUI investigation or charge.

A DUI case can involve issues such as field sobriety testing, chemical testing, blood or breath testing, and the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop.

A DUI conviction can potentially result in fines, license consequences, increased insurance costs, and other penalties.

If you were stopped for DUI after a Hershey concert, speak with an attorney as soon as possible so you understand the charges and potential consequences.

Does a Concert Citation Really Matter?

It can be tempting to dismiss a citation you received after a concert as minor, pay it, and forget it.

That may not always be the best approach.

The consequences of a criminal charge depend on the specific offense, your circumstances, and the outcome of the case. Some charges can affect your criminal record, driver’s license, employment, education, or other areas of your life.

Before paying a citation or entering a plea, consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney who can explain what you are facing and what options may be available.

What Should You Do If You Were Charged After a Hershey Concert?

If you were cited or arrested after a concert in Hershey, there are several steps you should take.

Read the Citation Carefully

Pay attention to the specific offense listed on your citation and any court date or other instructions. Missing a required court appearance or deadline can create additional problems.

Do Not Assume Paying the Fine Is Your Only Option

Depending on the offense, there may be alternatives to simply paying the citation. An attorney can review the charge and explain the potential consequences of different options.

Preserve Any Relevant Information

Write down what you remember about the incident while the details are still fresh. Keep your citation, paperwork, and any other documents you received.

If friends or other people witnessed what happened, their information may also be relevant.

Avoid Discussing the Case Publicly

Be careful about posting details about your arrest or citation on social media. Statements, photographs, or videos posted online can potentially become relevant to a criminal case.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney

Every case is different. An attorney can review the allegations, explain the potential consequences, and help you determine how to respond.

Criminal Defense Representation in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Being charged with an offense after a concert can be stressful, particularly if you have never dealt with the criminal justice system before.

JSDC Law Offices represents individuals facing criminal charges in Hershey and throughout Central Pennsylvania. Our attorneys handle matters including underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to a minor, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, drug offenses, DUI, and other criminal allegations.

If you were charged after attending a concert or event in Hershey, you do not have to navigate the process alone.

Contact JSDC Law Offices to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.