Country Thunder is an annual weekend music festival held in Florence, AZ (Pinal County) drawing thousands of people from across the valley. In fact, this year's event sold out for the first time in its 20-year history, reaching a capacity crowd of 25,000 patrons.
In years past, Underage Drinking has been a concern at this event, and last year 189 people were arrested for Underage Drinking and other related crimes. In many cases, underage drinkers were alleged to have had blood alcohol levels at more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent, and the youngest person arrested was 15 years old. In addition to Underage Drinking, citations also included violations of Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Using a Fake ID to buy Alcohol, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
According to recent reports during this year's event, the Pinal County Sheriff's office arrested a 20-year old man on suspicion of Disorderly Conduct and Aggravated Assault, after reports of a stabbing, leaving a 36-year old man in critical condition.
Aggravated Assault charges are taken very seriously in AZ and involve Assault cases where a weapon is used, where there is serious physical injury, when the Assault causes a fracture or temporary loss of use of a bodily organ or function, or if the victim is under 15 and the aggressor is over 18. If the offense involves any type of weapon or dangerous instrument (including a car) the Aggravated Assault will be alleged to be a "dangerous" crime which then means if a person is convicted the penalty is mandatory imprisonment, and the length of that prison sentence is enhanced as compared to a non-dangerous crime. "Dangerous" crimes are not probation eligible, but can become probation eligible if the "Dangerous" allegation is dismissed – a common strategy in plea negotiations.
Every case presents with unique facts, and consequently the sentencing range for Aggravated Assault charges can range anywhere from a designated misdemeanor offense (reduced from a felony) with no jail time all the way to mandatory prison up to 21 years for a first offense class 2 dangerous felony.
Click here for more information regarding Aggravated Assault charges and here for more information regarding Disorderly Conduct charges.
If you were charged with any type of criminal violation during the recent Country Thunder Event in Pinal County – including Underage Drinking, Minor in Possession, Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, or any other misdemeanor or felony charge – the Firm can help. Mr. Buckallew has handled countless cases in Pinal County Courts including Pinal County Superior Court, Apache Junction Justice Court, Casa Grande Justice Court, Maricopa Justice Court and other Courts throughout the county. Mr. Buckallew has a proven track record and a reputation for zealously representing each and every client. Mr. Buckallew has extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to defending both DUI and criminal charges and has successfully resolved countless cases over the years.
Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.
**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.