Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. While most can enjoy the festival without encountering law enforcement, Las Vegas police typically make a significant number of arrests.
Most people are arrested for drug and alcohol-related offenses or assault and battery after getting into altercations with other attendees. If you plan to attend the Electric Daisy Carnival this year, the criminal defense lawyers at Adras & Altig want you to know what to expect. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Electric Daisy Carnival?
The Electric Daisy Carnival is a series of electronic dance music festivals that take place in multiple locations around the world. Although the EDC began as a one-day rave in Los Angeles, its flagship three-day festival has taken place in Las Vegas each summer since 2011, usually at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In addition to the centerpiece music that involves elaborate lights and stages, the festival also includes carnival rides and games, costumed and dance performers, and fireworks celebrations.
In 2021, the EDC was expected to be held in May, but the event was pushed back to late October due to ongoing COVID-19 restriction protocols in Las Vegas.
Arrests at Electric Daisy Carnival – Las Vegas
The Electric Daisy Carnival employs private security guards tasked with screening guests for illicit drugs and weapons, patrolling the carnival grounds, and responding to drug use, violence, or sexual assault. EDC security guards can detain carnival guests until Las Vegas or Clark County law enforcement arrives to arrest a detainee for a criminal offense officially.
However, EDC security guards are not required to follow many of the same constitutional requirements as police officers, such as warning you of your Miranda rights. Therefore, anything you say to EDC security after being detained may later be used against you by police and prosecutors.
Festival attendees have been arrested at EDC for offenses such as:
- Drug possession
- DUI
- Assault and battery
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual assault
- Solicitation of prostitution
- Theft
- Public urination
- Disorderly conduct
- Unlawful possession of weapons
Las Vegas Electric Daisy Carnival Lawyer
Judgment errors happen. If you are arrested at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, don’t panic and don’t despair. An arrest does not mean you will automatically be convicted. Depending on the type of criminal offense and the nature of your arrest, it might be possible to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.
An experienced Las Vegas Electric Daisy Carnival lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options. The goal will be to secure the best possible outcome for your situation, which is often the one with the least possible fines or jail time.
Adras & Altig – EDC Las Vegas Attorneys
If you’re arrested on drug charges or other criminal offenses while attending EDC in Las Vegas, get a criminal defense attorney from Adras & Altig on your side right away. We’re tough, experienced attorneys who will fight to protect your rights.
Our partners take a team-based approach to handling each client’s case. That means you benefit from our combined experience and knowledge. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.