The Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway is considered the first and most significant race on the NASCAR schedule. Every year, thousands of residents and visitors alike attend the popular event, which also draws the highest television ratings for any auto race annually.
Attendees and tailgaters often consume large amounts of alcohol before and during the 500-mile race that typically lasts nearly three hours and 30 minutes. Unfortunately, being under the influence of alcohol can lead to an arrest.
The following are the most common crimes associated with the Daytona 500:
- DUI – Many people may think they are not over the limit when they get behind the wheel after the race or believe driving a short distance to the hotel or back home is worth the risk. However, a DUI conviction can result in serious penalties, such as jail time, fines, and license suspension.
- Assault and battery – Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to heated confrontations and even a fight. An assault is an intentional, verbal threat to subject another person to violence, while battery is the intentional touching of someone else against their consent, typically involving hitting, slapping or any other form of physical contact.
- Disorderly conduct – Engaging in a fight or otherwise disturbing the peace can result in disorderly conduct charges. Disorderly intoxication occurs when an intoxicated individual endangers another person’s safety in a public place. Indecent exposure is the act of exposing one’s private body parts in public in a vulgar manner, which typically occurs when people urinate in a public area.
If you are arrested for committing a criminal offense during the Daytona 500, our experienced legal team at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can protect your rights, reputation, and future and do our best to help you avoid conviction or serious penalties. If you are not a Florida resident, we can represent you in court on your behalf, meaning you don’t have to travel back and forth from your home state to attend court hearings.
Do not let a mistake haunt you for the rest of your life and contact us for aggressive and knowledgeable defense against criminal charges. Serving clients in Daytona Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.