Cactus League Spring Training 2020 kicked off this weekend—and with more than 100 games slated between now and March 24, sports fans across the state will have plenty of chances to watch their favorite players at 10 stadiums in seven cities, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa.
Baseball enthusiasts are often passionate about the game, but sometimes that passion can lead to unruly behavior. Add alcohol to the mix and disagreements between fans can escalate. Alcohol-related arrests, including DUIs, commonly spike during Spring Training.
If you’re one of the thousands of locals or visitors planning on attending the games and festivities, keep in mind that a larger police presence means more arrests for disorderly conduct, DUI, assault, and other misdemeanors or felonies. If you find yourself charged with a crime during Cactus League Spring Training 2020, contact the Arizona criminal defense lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group.
Can You Drink Alcohol At Cactus League Spring Training 2020?
From bachelor and bachelorette parties to college spring break trips, spring training attracts a lot of folks just looking for a good time. Cheering, jeering, heckling, and alcohol are all just part of the game. Although no outside drinks are allowed in the stadium, alcohol is served at spring training games.
A standard nine-inning game may not seem very long, but the average spring training game lasts almost three hours. This means there’s plenty of time to get more than a little tipsy during the game. Major League Baseball has no uniform policy on beer-sale cutoffs, though some teams choose to stop selling beer after the sixth inning.
In addition, the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition works with every major league sport to train those who serve alcohol, in addition to ushers and security personnel inside stadiums, in how to properly identify and deal with overly-inebriated sports fans.
However, crowds still get rowdy and brawls still happen, as does drunk driving. If you find yourself on the wrong end of a DUI or a disorderly conduct charge at this year’s spring training, a criminal defense attorney can help.
Common Alcohol-Related Violations During Spring Training
Arizona is extremely strict about their alcohol laws, including a zero tolerance policy for when it comes to DUIs. In addition, no one under the age of 21 may consume or possess alcoholic beverages.
Consequences for breaking Arizona alcohol laws vary from fines and fees to probation, community service, or jail time. Steer clear of the law and avoid engaging in any of the following while attending Cactus League Spring Training 2020.
Underage Drinking
If a minor is caught drinking or possessing alcohol, severe consequences can ensue. A Minor In Consumption (MIC) charge can result in up to $2,500 in fines, loss of driving privileges, and additional consequences. Possession of an alcoholic beverage, even if you are not drinking, can result in a Minor in Possession (MIP) charge, which carries up to $4,000 in fines, loss of driver’s license, probation, community service, and potential jail time of up to 180 days.
Public Alcohol Consumption
In Arizona, drinking alcohol in certain public places is illegal. Keep your alcohol inside the stadium or bar in designated areas.If security asks you to dispose of your beer before entering or exiting, you should always comply. A public alcohol consumption conviction can result in a class 2 misdemeanor, fines and fees totaling over $750, up to four months in jail, and two years of probation.
Providing Minors With Alcohol
Not only is underage drinking illegal, but those who provide minors with alcohol by purchasing it for them or giving it to them can be held legally responsible and charged with a misdemeanor. You may also face $2,500 in fines, six months in jail, and two years of probation.
Open Containers
A common issue during spring training is open container possession. This misdemeanor charge involves having in your possession any open alcohol container inside of a vehicle, whether you have been drinking or not. Open container convictions can carry a fine of up to $750 and four months in jail.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Arizona includes anyone driving with a BAC of .08% or greater, or while impaired to the “slightest degree.” There are many types of Arizona DUIs ranging in severity and degree of impairment, from a misdemeanor first offense DUI to a felony aggravated DUI, which can be punishable by up to four months in prison plus hefty fines and fees.
Our Award-Winning Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
If you find yourself on the wrong side of the law during Cactus League Spring Training 2020, you need award-winning legal representation. Throughout Arizona, the experienced attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group handle cases pertaining to DUIs, assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, and more.
For professional, prompt, and effective legal assistance, contact Lerner and Rowe Law Group today at 602-667-7777. You can also chat online with a live representative now, or submit the details of your case using our secure and confidential contact form. Initial consultations are free, and we offer affordable payment plans.