Bonnaroo 2015 Brings New Changes

Manchester, Tennessee and Coffee County are home to one of the largest music festivals in the Country, Bonnaroo. Every year close to 100,000 people descend into our close knit community for Music, Arts, and Fun. For hundreds of Bonnaroovians, that time is derailed easily should they be stopped, charged, or arrested for any crime or drug related offense. There is an increased and heavy police presence in Manchester and surrounding areas, including Warren County, Rutherford County, Franklin County, Grundy County, Marion County, and Hamilton County in the days leading up to Bonnaroo as festival goers make their way to and from the event.

This year brings new changes to the way criminal charges resulting from the festival are handled. The criminal charges brought against attendees of the 14th year of Bonnaroo will be the first handled by our newly elected District Attorney General, Craig Northcott. In years past, criminal citations and charges were treated differently during Bonnaroo. Typically, defendants, most of whom reside out of the immediate area, were sent a letter from the District Attorney's Office and Circuit Court Clerk with instruction that, with the payment of a fine, the charges would be retired or dismissed after a certain period of time. The more serious the offense, the larger the fine enforced.

General Northcott, however, has made it clear that beginning this year, criminal charges resulting from Bonnaroo will be treated the same as every other crime in Coffee County. “These Bonnaroo letters have to stop,” stated Northcott. “Those arrested at Bonnaroo receive a letter from the DA saying pay this amount of money, don't get in trouble and the charges will be dismissed. Justice isn't for sale. If what is appropriate the day before Bonnaroo is a conviction, just because it happens at Bonnaroo does not forgive the crime. … That's a travesty that has to stop.” Quote from Craig Northcott during a political debate in July of 2014. See http://www.tullahomanews.com/?p=25592 for full article. See also https://www.facebook.com/CraigNorthcott4DA/posts/572919269503444 .

What does this mean for you?

If you are arrested or cited for any criminal offense while you are in Coffee County for Bonnaroo, you will have to make regular court appearances and will be prosecuted through the justice system in the same manner as every other criminal offense. A skilled criminal defense attorney with knowledge and experience dealing with the Coffee County District Attorney's Office can ensure your rights are protected and help resolve your case. Should you need a criminal lawyer in Middle Tennessee to help guide you or a loved one through the justice system, contact the law firm of Mitchell & Mitchell for a free consultation. (615) 896-4211.