World Cup matches will be held across multiple cities this year, including Philadelphia. Considering the popularity of soccer (or football to the rest of the world), you can expect fans, and the police, to be everywhere. As a result, the police will be out in full force to keep the peace, and many people may be arrested.
If you are arrested during the World Cup, the best thing you can do for yourself is to stay calm and avoid resisting. After you are taken into custody, demand to call a lawyer immediately. Many arrests will probably revolve around crowds, partying, and alcohol. Block parties and bars may be closely monitored by law enforcement, which may be more inclined to make arrests to maintain order. Whatever happens, get help from a lawyer immediately.
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 to request a free legal review from our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys.
What to Do if You Are Arrested During the World Cup in Philadelphia
If you are arrested during the World Cup, try to stay calm, do not fight back against the authorities, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Stay Calm and Do Not Resist
It is not fun to be arrested, especially while celebrating the World Cup. You might be upset or angry, and it may be tempting to resist the police. Do not do this under any circumstances. Resisting law enforcement will only lead to more trouble, possibly more criminal charges.
Your Right to Remain Silent
The police may want to question you about the alleged offense after the initial booking process. You do not have to answer these questions, even if the police put pressure on you to do so. You may remain silent, and your silence cannot be used against you.
Any information you give to the police may be used to build a case against you. The less you give them, the better.
Call a Lawyer Immediately
Before the police question you about whatever offense you were arrested for, they must read you your Miranda rights, which include the above-mentioned right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer present during questioning. Demand to call our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys and do not answer questions until your lawyer is present. Our lawyers will be available 24/7 to help you.
Arrests During World Cup Festivities in Philly
Certain factors may influence the likelihood of being arrested in Philly during the World Cup. It is a good idea to consider these factors when you celebrate the big game.
Last Call Hours
In Philadelphia, last call hours at bars and restaurants are being extended. In Philly, drinking establishments will be permitted to remain open until 4 AM instead of the normal 2 AM.
Late-night drinking has always drawn attention from law enforcement, but there may be extra attention from the police on bar patrons during the World Cup, as many will be drinking for longer, possibly becoming more intoxicated.
Rowdy Behavior
The World Cup is a major event in the sports world, and people are expected to celebrate. While having fun is one thing, becoming rowdy and disrupting public order is quite another. It may be easy to get carried away when celebrating with friends, and it is important to be careful about keeping your celebrations fun yet reasonable.
Public Intoxication
During major sporting events, like the World Cup, alcohol consumption is likely to spike, and public intoxication may become a problem. With so many intoxicated sports fans out and about, the police are more likely to arrest anyone who even appears intoxicated. Be careful when drinking in or around bars, as the police may arrest anyone drunk in public.
What if You Are Arrested Unjustly During World Cup Celebrations?
With so many people coming to Philadelphia to enjoy the World Cup, the police will be stretched thin, and legal errors are more likely.
Unruly Groups or Crowds
Many arrests may involve large groups or crowds. When people become too rowdy, the police may intervene to break things up and arrest those they believe are causing the most trouble. Unfortunately, the police may make mistakes and arrest people who were not part of the rowdy crowd but were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Conflicting Commands from Police
When police officers take control of crowds, they may issue conflicting commands to people. One officer might tell you to exit a particular area by walking to another block, but another officer might tell you that you are going the wrong way and to turn around.
This kind of problem often results from poor planning by law enforcement, but people are sometimes arrested for allegedly refusing to follow police orders.
No Probable Cause
When crowds get a bit out of hand, the police tend to make arrests first and ask questions later. The police sometimes take people into custody based on little evidence because they must control crowds, and their resources may be stretched thin. They might not have the time or manpower to thoroughly investigate each arrest, so people could be arrested unfairly.
FAQs About What You Should Do if You Are Arrested at the World Cup in Philadelphia
What Should You Do if You Are Arrested During the World Cup in Philadelphia?
If you are arrested, stay calm, do not fight back against the authorities, and call a lawyer as soon as possible. Avoid answering questions from the police about the alleged crime until your lawyer can be by your side.
Will the Police Arrest People for Alcohol-Related Offenses During the World Cup?
Probably. In Philadelphia, last call will be extended to 4 AM for the World Cup, and the police will likely be paying close attention to those consuming alcohol in bars and restaurants or in public.
What Kind of Crime Can You Be Charged with If You Are Arrested During the World Cup?
Criminal charges will depend on the specific facts and evidence of your case, but you can expect a lot of arrests for things like public intoxication, intoxicated driving, fighting, and disorderly conduct.
Should You Call an Attorney After Being Arrested During World Cup Celebrations?
Yes. Your arrest may be the result of overworked officers, poor planning by law enforcement, and confusion caused by large crowds. An attorney can quickly determine the best way to fight the charges and possibly have them dropped before your case even begins.
Contact Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help Immediately
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 to request a free legal review from our Philadelphia world cup defense attorneys.
