Can You Get Arrested in a National Park?

 Posted on January 10, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Spending the day in a national park can be a rejuvenating and peaceful experience. However, some people do not respect the rules of the park or might face wrongful accusations of violating the law. Be aware that if you are arrested in a national park, you will be subject to federal laws

 If you have been arrested in a federal park, you need reliable representation that can only be found in a Knoxville federal criminal charges defense attorney.

Federal Laws in National Parks

The national park system is overseen by the Department of Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Army. Any of these federal departments can charge you if you break a federal law

Title 36 of the Federal Code of Regulations details the regulations that have been developed to protect national parks. These laws regulate the protection of natural resources, public use, recreational activities, and even specify special regulations for certain parks.

Despite your specific state’s laws, you may be federally prosecuted if you violate federal laws in a national park. It is always a good idea to research specific federal regulations for the park that you will be visiting so that you can ensure that you are in compliance with the law.

Marijuana Possession

Since 2009, approximately 27,700 people have been issued citations on federal property for marijuana possession. Even though marijuana is a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in a federal park is a violation of 21 U.S.C. 844a

Although a relatively small group compared to the hundreds of millions of people who visit national parks yearly, drug possession on federal territory is becoming an increasing concern

In a recent year, a woman visited Olympic National Park with a small container of medical marijuana. Although she thought she would not get in trouble since the marijuana was prescribed by a physician, a park ranger pulled her over and gave her a citation

In another situation at Olympic National Park, a woman was carrying two grams of marijuana. Since recreational marijuana use has been legalized in Washington state since 2009 (adults 21 and over are allowed to carry up to one ounce), the woman did not think she was breaking any laws. She was pulled over for a broken taillight, at which time she was given a citation for drug possession.

Punishment for Marijuana Possession

Possession of marijuana may result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $500. Thankfully, most people who are charged with marijuana possession do not serve jail time but have at least one court hearing.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

Our Knox County federal criminal defense attorney has experience navigating the legal system. We know that after an arrest, you are probably feeling agitated, frightened, or even confused. We know what evidence to look for to have your charges reduced or possibly even dropped altogether. Let us work on your behalf to help your life return to normalcy.

Arrested in a National Park? Contact a Knoxville, TN, Federal Criminal Charges Defense Attorney Today

Mistakes happen. If you broke the law in a federal park, you should not be prosecuted for your ignorance. Let a Knox County, TN, federal criminal charges defense attorney from Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney assist in clearing your criminal record. To schedule your free consultation, contact the office online or by calling 865-281-1000