With the We Belong Here Tampa Bay festival set for December 11 through 13 at Armature Works Riverfront, a Tampa, FL drug possession lawyer is urging attendees to understand their rights in the event of a drug arrest. The guidance from StechLaw Criminal Defense comes as thousands are expected to gather for the 21-and-over event in Hillsborough County, where drug-related offenses are prosecuted under Florida law.
Under section 893.13, Florida Statutes, possession of most controlled substances other than cannabis is a third-degree felony, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis is a first-degree misdemeanor. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can have lasting collateral consequences, including impacts on employment opportunities, professional licenses, and housing applications. Because cases arising from arrests at the venue are handled in Hillsborough County, local prosecution practices and court procedures will apply.
For attendees who are detained, the firm emphasizes that they have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Ben Stechschulte, the firm's founder and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Law attorney, recommends declining to answer questions about any substance or who owns it, refusing consent to searches, and avoiding discussion of the arrest with friends or on social media. Statements made at the scene or during recorded jail phone calls can be introduced as evidence, making silence and caution critical.
“A festival arrest is not a conviction,” said Mr. Stechschulte. “Police searches at crowded events must still follow constitutional limits. Evidence from an unlawful search can be challenged in court.” This point underscores that even in the chaotic environment of a music festival, law enforcement must adhere to constitutional protections, and any deviation can become the basis for suppressing evidence.
Early involvement from defense counsel is also crucial, as it allows for a thorough review of body camera footage, lab results, and the circumstances of the stop before charging decisions are finalized. As a former Hillsborough County prosecutor, Mr. Stechschulte brings insider knowledge to his drug crime defense work, understanding how the state builds its cases and where weaknesses may lie. His background includes more than 60 cases tried to verdict and recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015.
For attendees and their families, the firm offers a free consultation at any hour, providing immediate access to legal guidance during a stressful time. The advice is particularly timely as festival season brings increased police presence and arrests, and knowing one's rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.
