The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and football fans across the country are gearing up for the big game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. According to a stat that gets floated this time every year, Americans are expected to consume 32.5 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday – enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
While we can’t vouch for that ginormous number, we do know that over-imbibing can lead to more than just a hangover on Monday morning. It can lead to bad decisions, rowdy behavior, and an uncomfortable stay in a local jail cell.
In an effort to keep you and your friends on the right side of the law, here are six ways to stay out of jail on Super Bowl Sunday in Texas.
1. Have a Game Plan for Getting Home.
You’ve heard it many times before: If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Line up a designated driver, take an Uber, or rent a hotel room. Texas roads are vast, and police will be out in full force, looking for impaired drivers or for any reason to stop you – like having a taillight out. It’s also “No Refusal” year-round in Texas, so if you are stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, it’s important to know your rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to refuse sobriety tests and searches.
2. Avoid Confrontations, especially with Opposing Fans.
Football fans are passionate about their teams, especially when alcohol flows freely. What may start out as friendly bantering at a bar or party can quickly escalate and lead to super-sized brawl. In Texas, if you hurt another person, even slightly, you could be charged with assault bodily injury and face up to a year in jail. If you display a weapon or severely injury a victim, you could be charged with aggravated assault and face up to life in prison. Make the right call and resist the urge to talk trash or get involved.
3. Be Careful with those Bets.
For people who like to bet, there’s nothing quite like wagering on the Super Bowl. However, be wary of gambling in Texas. Should you choose to roll the dice and bet, you could be looking at stiff penalties, including prison, fines, and asset forfeiture.
4. Don’t Disturb the Peace with Unruly Behavior.
In Texas, disorderly conduct is a common charge that covers a broad range of unruly behavior. It includes everything from using vulgar language in a public place to recklessly exposing your anus or genitals – so think twice about streaking.
5. Put Away the Pot.
Marijuana is legal in a growing number of states, but Texas is not one of them. In Texas, it is illegal even to possess a usable amount of marijuana, which could result in jail time. It’s important to point out that individuals who receive a jail sentence for possession of marijuana in Texas will automatically have their driver’s license suspended.
6. Prostitutes May be Police.
It is no secret that Super Bowl Sunday is a big day in the escort business. It’s not uncommon for law enforcement to set up stings to catch prostitutes or johns by doing anything from posing as streetwalkers to listing ads.
To be sure, police will be out in full force during Super Bowl LX, looking for impaired drivers and responding to calls of unruly fans or out-of-control partiers. If you or a loved one find yourself in handcuffs, contact a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible.
In fact, if you live in Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, Houston, or the surrounding areas, go ahead and put the law firm of Varghese Summersett in your phone now 817-203-2220. You can also reach out online.
