Baldani Law Group’s Keeneland Tips

Today marks the first day of the Keeneland Spring Meet.  Keeneland’s College Scholarship Day is Friday, April 5 for students across the Bluegrass to attend the races for free and possibly win prizes and scholarships. While fashion and betting on the ponies are staples of a day at the races, drinking is also very prevalent.  Whether tailgating on “The Hill” or enjoying a Blood Mary inside the track, law enforcement officers will be out in full force. In this blog we’ll list some of the most common crimes from clients that are arrested or criminally cited at Keeneland and discuss a few tips to avoid ruining your day.

Always have a plan before going to the track.  If you plan on drinking, arrange for a designated driver, Lyft, Uber, or taxi.  If you use a Lyft/Uber always confirm your driver’s name before getting in the vehicle – they should know your name too.

Don’t drink if you are underage.  It’s against the law and officers will be targeting young people suspected of drinking – especially in known tailgating locations.

If you plan on drinking, drink responsibly.  Not only can you lose a lot of money while betting intoxicated, but it can land you in jail.  

If you are approached by law enforcement, be respectful but know your rights! You must give them your ID if requested.  It should go without saying that you should not give an officer a fake ID.  Click here for more details about what you should and shouldn’t do during interactions with law enforcement. You are not required to answer any questions.  A polite, “I’m not discussing my day with you officer,” should suffice.  If the officer continues to ask questions, you can respond by saying, “I am not answering any questions or consenting to any searches without my lawyer present.”   Finally, if you are in the process of being arrested, do not say anything.  More and more police officers around the Commonwealth are wearing body worn cameras. These cameras are recording Defendant’s actions and statements.  If you are acting belligerently the prosecutor will take notice and it will hurt your negotiation efforts. 

Some of the most common charges:

KRS 525.100 – Public Intoxication

• A person is guilty of public intoxication when he appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance, excluding alcohol (unless the alcohol is present in combination with any of the above), not therapeutically administered, to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or unreasonably annoy persons in his vicinity.  

KRS 222.202 – Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place

• A person is guilty of alcohol intoxication when he appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or unreasonably annoy persons in his vicinity

KRS 244.085 – Minor in Possession of Alcohol

• A person under twenty-one (21) years of age may not:
  • Possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcohol.  Also, you may not ask another person to purchase an alcoholic beverage for you.
  • Use a fake or altered identification to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol 

KRS 516.060 – Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2^ndDegree (Fake ID)

• A person is guilty of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree when, with knowledge that it is forged and with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, he utters or possesses any forged instrument of a kind specified in KRS 516.030.

KRS 189A.010 – Drive While Under the Influence of Alcohol

As always, have a great time and good luck!

However…if arrested, please give us a call immediately at (859) 259-0727 or fill out the content form on the side of this page. Our legal team has the experience, the knowledge, and the passion to fight your case!

Written by: Abe Mashni, partner at Baldani Law Group