Penn State Concert and Event Arrest Defense

Going to a concert or event at Penn State should not end with a trip to the police station.

Unfortunately, large concerts and other events in State College can bring crowds, alcohol, and increased police activity. A night out with friends can turn into an arrest or citation much faster than most people expect.

If you were arrested, cited, or charged with a crime at a Penn State concert or event, our Penn State student defense attorneys can help you understand the charge, the court process, and your options. Our attorneys handle a wide range of criminal defense matters in State College and throughout Centre County, including cases involving Penn State students and visitors.

Charged at a Penn State Concert?

Several different charges can come from an incident at a concert or other large event.

Common examples include underage drinking, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. Drug possession, drug paraphernalia, assault, theft, criminal mischief, and other charges can also come up. You may also find yourself dealing with a DUI charge if you were stopped while leaving an event.

Sometimes the situation is straightforward. Other times, there is more to the story than what appears on the citation or police report.

Maybe you were with a group of people and the police assumed something belonged to you. Maybe you were trying to leave when an argument started. Maybe you were not actually involved in the conduct that led to the citation. The details matter.

Penn State Students Have Another Issue to Consider

If you are a Penn State student, an arrest or citation can create concerns beyond the criminal case.

The University has its own student conduct process, which is separate from the court system. Depending on the circumstances, a student could potentially have to address both a criminal charge and a university disciplinary matter.

Separate university proceedings may raise concerns involving enrollment, housing, scholarships, athletics, or other academic consequences, depending on the circumstances.

Before simply paying a citation or pleading guilty, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to and what other consequences could follow.

What If You Were Visiting State College?

Penn State attracts people from all over Pennsylvania and the surrounding states for concerts, games, and other events.

If you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, New Jersey, Maryland, or elsewhere and were cited or arrested while visiting State College, handling the case from a distance can make an already stressful situation more difficult.

You may be wondering if you have to return to Centre County for court or whether the charge could follow you back home.

An attorney familiar with the local court system can help you understand what needs to happen and whether you have options to handle the case without making unnecessary trips back to State College.

What Should You Do After Getting a Citation?

Keep the citation and any paperwork the police provide, review the listed charge and deadlines, and preserve any evidence related to the incident. Review the citation to make sure you understand what you were charged with and whether it lists a court date. Keep anything the police gave you.

It can also help to write down what happened while you still remember the details. If other people were with you, keep their contact information. Photos, videos, text messages, or other information from the night may also become important.

Most importantly, don’t assume that a charge is too minor to worry about. Depending on the charge, a conviction or other case outcome may have legal, academic, licensing, or employment consequences.

Talk to a State College Criminal Defense Attorney

An arrest or citation at a Penn State event can create legal and, for students, potential university-related concerns. But the charge does not tell the whole story.

Decker & Bradburn represents clients facing criminal charges in State College and throughout Centre County. We can review the circumstances of your arrest or citation, explain what you are facing, and help you determine how to move forward.

If you were arrested or received a citation at a Penn State concert, event, or venue, call Decker & Bradburn at 814-308-8895 or contact us online to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney.