According to ABC Action News, the Tampa Police Department arrested almost 350 parade goers this year at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, FL. The majority of these arrests, as usual, were written arrests for open container outside of the "wet zone." As anyone who attended the parade will tell you, the zoning laws were selectively enforced, as coolers and red plastic cups were seen in abundance.
If you were issued a citation for open container at Gasparilla, you should consult an attorney today to discuss possible defenses. The maximum penalties under the City of Tampa Open Container Ordinance are a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail - serious consequences for an offense of this nature, especially one that was selectively enforced. This city ordinance violation counts as a criminal adjudication of guilt against you if you simply pay the fine, which could result in serious consequences in the future (you could be required to list this arrest on employment applications, for example.) This could also prevent the sealing or expungement of a more serious offense in the future. The attorneys at Taracks & Associates are all former prosecutors who know how to fight open container charges, as well as any other crime you may have been charged with. Our staff may be able to help you avoid the serious consequences that stem from an arrest of this type, or help get your open container charge thrown out altogether. As always, a consultation with one of our lawyers is always free. Taracks & Associates - The Advocate For You.
City of Tampa Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, Alcoholic Beverages, Article IV, Section 3-40, prohibits possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages outside of licensed premises.