Criminal Offenses at Music Festivals

Music festivals are all fun and games… until someone ends up in handcuffs. If that someone is you, it’s crucial to act now in finding the right attorney to represent you in your case. To protect your freedoms and your future, you need an aggressive, dedicated criminal defense attorney who is skilled in handling cases like yours. Look no further. We offer a free consultation with an attorney, during which you can discuss the facts of your case and determine the best course of action.

If you have been charged with a Class C misdemeanor, it may not always be the best decision to simply pay a fine and accept a guilty plea. It’s important that you fully understand what you are agreeing to and the consequences of that plea.

If you have an upcoming deadline to respond to the court on a criminal offense, don’t hesitate! Contact us today at (979) 596-4088 to schedule your consultation with an attorney.

Minor in Possession (MIP)

In this case, “possession” refers to care, custody, control, management. This means that alcohol doesn’t even need to be in the offender’s hand. They didn’t have to have bought it, and they don’t have to intend to be in possession of alcohol in order to be charged with an MIP. In fact, the prosecution does not have to prove that the individual even knew it was alcohol. An MIP is a Class C offense with statutory requirements under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Minor in Consumption (MIC)

In an MIC case, the defendant must have taken a step beyond possession and actually consumed alcohol. In this scenario, it doesn’t matter how much an offender drank– it could be anywhere from taking just one sip to consuming multiple drinks. The individual does not have to buy the drink, and prosecution doesn’t have to prove that they had any particular level of alcohol in their system. Similar to MIP, an MIC offense is also a Class C misdemeanor with statutory requirements under TABC.

Public Intoxication (PI)

Public Intoxication has no age limit– an offender can either be under or over the legal drinking age. In a PI case, the prosecution has to show that, through the introduction of alcohol or other substances, the individual posed a danger either to themselves or to others. Because this offense is not limited to alcohol, the prosecution does not have to show that the offender was over the legal age limit to consume alcohol, and does not have to prove that the offender had any certain amount of alcohol in their system at all.

Disorderly Conduct (DOC)

Disorderly conduct can be charged in a wide range of circumstances, but the most common offenses our office handles are these: fighting, language, gesture, and noise. In a DOC Fighting case, all it takes to constitute a criminal case is for individuals to be fighting one another in a public place.

For DOC Language, the requirements are not quite so specific; this offense is relevant if the offender is using “abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace.” In this circumstance, police officers cannot be “offended,” but be careful; if you’re using strong language against a police officer, you may be getting arrested for something else, regardless of your language.

DOC Gesture occurs when an individual “makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace.” A common example of a gesture that might incur a criminal charge for disorderly conduct is an offender giving someone the middle finger.

Lastly, an individual may be charged with DOC Noise if they are making “unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy.” Examples of this offense include loud car noises and music from your party that disturbs the neighbors.

Though most DOC offenses will be charged as Class C misdemeanors, certain offenses involving firearms can be a Class B misdemeanor– which carries a higher punishment range than a Class C.

Expunction and Non-Disclosure

At the end of every criminal case, defendants often share one big question: “can I get this off my record?” For individuals that qualify, there are two options that may allow for the clearing of a criminal record: Expunction and Non-Disclosure.

An expunction is a court order removing any record of the case and the arrest from an individual’s criminal history. Once an expunction has been granted, the defendant can legally deny that the case ever existed. Only certain types of cases qualify for expunction:

Class C misdemeanor offenses in which the defendant completed deferred adjudication probation.
Cases in which there was:
- An acquittal at Jury Trial,
- A dismissal of the case, or
- A rejection of the case by the prosecution.
Cases in which the defendant completed a Pre-Trial Diversion program.

Cases that do NOT qualify for expunction are:

Pleas of guilty to Class B or Class A misdemeanors
Pleas of guilty to felony offenses

Although these cases will not qualify for expunction, there is another option that may be available– a non-disclosure.

A non-disclosure is a court order that seals the case from the public. Something important to note in regards to non-disclosure orders: the record is only sealed, not destroyed. This means that certain agencies will still be able to see the case, even though the general public will not be able to access the records.

Cases that qualify for non-disclosure include:

Class B misdemeanor offenses in which the defendant completed deferred adjudication probation.
Class A misdemeanor offenses in which the defendant completed deferred adjudication probation.
Felony offenses in which the defendant completed deferred adjudication probation.
Some misdemeanor convictions
Some DWI cases

Cases that do NOT qualify for non-disclosure include:

Felony convictions
Any offense with a finding of family violence

Eligibility for both expunction and non-disclosure is fact- and case-specific. Ask an attorney if your case qualifies.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a criminal offense such as the ones listed above, give us a call! Our attorneys are diligent, prepared, and dedicated to helping you obtain the best outcome in your case.

Gently e

00:42 19 Oct 23

Maddie was polite, professional and and very helpful. The group was expedient in responding to requests and i feel like im in good hands. Thanks guys!

Anson Sterling

20:09 16 Oct 23

Very nice and professional!

Isaac Moore

22:55 11 Oct 23

👍👍

Lathaniel Callis

16:39 02 Oct 23

Allow me to say first that Mr Greening the Greening Law Firm is one of Immense Stature like a Giant Sequoia tree , a true oasis in a desert waterless region!Speaking of the Greening Law Firm. I like to take the time to specifically highlight Shaylabrilliance. She is of the brightest minds, today has to offer. There has been times I’ve called frustrated concerning my current legal woes and just hearing her voice makes me forget my anguish that coupled with her patient way of listening calms me and leads towards regaining control.No matter where needed as a receptionists or in intake her selflessness is an example of one to follow when it comes to accomplishing TEAM oriented goals.Continue top keep your head down and your attitude positive while you work hard as you already do at your job daily, Shayla!A bright an happy future awaits you!Sincerely Submitted,Lathaniel Callis

Mike Deeznutz

15:05 26 Sep 23

Shayla did an outstanding job! She was very professional, knowledgeable, and caring! I appreciate her feedback as to what the greening law group can defend me on! I recommend anyone that is needing professional help to contact them and and speak with shayla! Thank u for your help!

Chris Eckman

21:12 18 Sep 23

During my ongoing court case, I faced the unexpected transition of having to find a new legal representation. My previous lawyer had to step away due to a significant shift in his professional life, transitioning from a legal role to a different career path. He had emphasized to me that his departure had nothing to do with the case or any dissatisfaction with me as a client, but rather I would be better in someone else’s hands given his shift in his professional life. He was kind enough to provide me with a list of recommended attorneys to consider, underscoring his confidence in their abilities to take over where he left off.During this transition, I was fortunate to reconnect with Greg S., an investigator with whom I had a positive working relationship in the past. Greg has always been a reliable and kind presence, responding promptly to my questions and working diligently to investigate various aspects of my case. Knowing that he was now associated with the Greening Law Group, where Craig and Sarah are practicing, gave me a sense of continuity and trust. Additionally, Greg had highly praised Craig and Sarah adding to my eagerness to have them on my case.Since engaging with Craig and Sarah, and reconnecting with Greg, I have been impressed with their concerted efforts to fully understand the nuances of my case. They have been proactive in keeping me informed and providing guidance on the necessary steps ahead. Their approach has been both professional and personable, making the complex legal process more manageable.I cannot express enough my gratitude for the tireless efforts of Craig, Sarah, and Greg. I wholeheartedly recommend the Greening Law Group for their professionalism, empathy, and dedication to their clients' well-being. I look forward to continuing with them and trust their efforts will not be in vain. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others seeking competent and compassionate legal representation. In recognition of their exceptional service, I am honored to give them a well-deserved 5-star rating. Thank you, Craig, Sarah, and Greg, for being my steadfast allies during this crazy time.

Kait rowe

17:54 11 Aug 23

Highly recommend Craig Greening! Craig is personable and cultivated, you will feel confident next to him! Worth every penny, he is a superlative attorney. Don’t rush the process, getting the deal you want takes time! Shayla and Kaitlin were both extremely helpful as well, ensuring I was cognizant throughout the process while being empathetic. I would recommend him to anyone time and time again!

Will Wren

22:30 11 Jul 23

Made appointment with Craig through Katia. She did a great job of answering all my questions and providing information. Went in for scheduled visit with Craig and was met by Katia at front desk. She was great at making me feel comfortable. We discussed case and I was impressed with her knowledge and responses. Craig then came in and we discussed further. I feel very confident in his abilities to litigate.