Nashville attracts millions of visitors each year. From live music on Broadway to sporting events, the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
While most visitors leave with great memories and plenty of photos. Unfortunately, some may face unexpected legal trouble during their trip. What starts as a fun night out can turn into an arrest, criminal charge, or court date that follows them long after they return home.
Here are some of the most common criminal charges tourists face in Nashville.
Public Intoxication
Nashville’s entertainment districts are known for their bars, live music venues, and party atmosphere. While consuming alcohol is a major part of many visitors’ plans, excessive drinking can lead to legal problems.
Under Tennessee law, a person may be charged with public intoxication if they appear in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, this has to be to the degree that they endanger themselves, endanger others, or unreasonably annoy people nearby.
In some cases, individuals can be arrested even if they were not driving but were attempting to walk back to their hotel.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct charges are another common issue involving tourists. These charges stem from incidents such as:
- Fighting or physical altercations
- Creating excessive disturbances
- Refusing lawful orders from law enforcement
- Engaging in disruptive behavior in public
Crowded entertainment spaces can create situations where misunderstandings escalate. A heated argument outside a bar or an attempt to intervene in someone else’s dispute can result in criminal charges.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Visitors who rent vehicles, drive between attractions, or travel from surrounding areas may face DUI charges.
For out-of-state visitors, DUI charges can be complicated because legal consequences may affect both Tennessee driving privileges and the driver’s home-state license.
Even if you live hundreds of miles away, a Tennessee DUI charge should never be ignored.
Drug Possession Charges
Sometimes, tourists are arrested for drug-related offenses while visiting Nashville. These charges may involve:
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Prescription medications without proper authorization
Drug laws can be complicated. Many travelers assume that laws from their home state apply while visiting Tennessee.
Assault Charges
Alcohol, crowded venues, and late-night disputes can lead to assault allegations. An assault charge does not always require serious injuries. In some situations, prosecutors may pursue charges based on allegations of:
- Hitting another person
- Attempting to cause bodily injury
- Threatening someone with immediate harm
- Physical confrontations during arguments
Self-defense may also be an issue in certain cases.
Criminal Trespass
When individuals remain on the property after being asked to leave, that could lead to criminal trespass. For example, a person may be accused of trespassing after refusing to leave a bar or restaurant or entering restricted areas.
In busy entertainment districts, confusion about access rights or misunderstandings with security personnel can contribute to these allegations.
What Should You Do After an Arrest in Nashville?
If you are arrested while visiting Nashville, remain calm and avoid making statements that could later be used against you. You should also:
- Comply with lawful instructions from law enforcement
- Keep copies of all court documents
- Avoid discussing the case on social media
- Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible
The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the sooner they can act. A criminal defense lawyer in Nashville can begin evaluating the evidence, protecting your rights, and exploring possible defenses.
Protecting Your Future After a Nashville Arrest
Now that you know the most common criminal charges tourists face in Nashville, you can hopefully avoid any problems. But if you happen to face charges, there are options.
At Erik Herbert Law, we can help you. We make the process easy for you, especially when you live out of state. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can assist.
