Avoid an Alcohol-Related Arrest at Indy 500

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500. Amongst the speeding Indycars and overpriced concession stands, drinking of alcohol frequently occurs—and every year, alcohol-related arrests are made.

With the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 fast approaching, organizers and police are expecting an especially festive Indy 500 race weekend. While to some the anniversary is cause for extra celebration, to others, it means an increased risk of public drunkenness, underage drinking, and violent crime.

At Hessler Law, our experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyers have helped numerous clients seeking help for their alcohol-related arrests following the Indy 500 race weekend. While not all arrests lead to a conviction, it’s best to avoid an alcohol-related arrest altogether. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top tips for avoiding an alcohol-related arrest at the 100th Indy 500.

5 Ways to Avoid an Alcohol-Related Arrest at the 100th Indy 500

1. Don’t Drink If You’re Underage — Underage-drinking makes up the largest percentage of arrests or citation over race weekend. If you’re found to be drinking, transporting alcohol, or making false statements to obtain alcohol, and are under the age of 21, you could face up to 60 days incarceration and up to $500 in fines.

2. Don’t Provide Alcohol To A Minor — Just as underage drinking is illegal in Indiana, so too is providing alcohol to a minor. Anyone found knowingly providing alcohol to a minor can be charged with misdemeanor punishable by 180 days incarceration and up to $1,000 in fines; in cases where death or serious bodily injury occurred as a result of underage consumption of alcohol, a person can face a felony, punishable by up to 6 months to 3 years incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines.

3. Follow Camping Curfews and Rules — If it’s late at night, avoid standing out and risking getting stopped by a police officer or Safety Patrol employee, by being mindful of Indianapolis Motor Speedway camping curfews and by wearing bracelets to prove that you’re permitted to access camping areas.

4. Don’t Resist Law Enforcement, If Stopped — In the event that a police officer or member of the Safety Patrol stops you, don’t try to argue with or resist him or her, especially in cases where you’ve been drinking. Doing so, could lead to additional charges being filed against you.

5. Know Your Limits and Watch Out for One Another — The Indy 500 can be a time of partying and festivity. Drinking responsibly, by knowing how much alcohol your body can handle, and celebrating in the company of others who aren’t drinking, can help to ensure that you’re drinking in the safest way possible, if you choose to drink at all.

How the Experienced Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Hessler Law Can Help You

At Hessler Law, we know that the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 will be a time of great celebration. Whether you’re off to enjoy the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or are going to be watching the game from the comfort of your home, remember to drink responsibly and to look out for one another, both by limiting your own consumption and by not providing alcohol to minors.

With the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 approaching, police and Safety Patrol employees will be on high alert for signs of public intoxication, violence, and illegal possession of alcohol by minors. If you or a loved one is facing alcohol-related charges or have questions about alcohol use at the Speedway, call one of the skilled Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at Hessler Law at (317) 886-8800 today.