An enjoyable day at a theme park in Orlando can turn into a nightmare in a hurry if you are arrested for any reason. The experienced Florida criminal defense attorneys at The Alers Law Firm can help you defend against these charges.
Theme park security or uniformed police officers may arrest you outside or inside theme parks for various reasons. You can be subject to criminal penalties for what happens inside theme parks the same as you would anywhere else. However, some criminal charges are based on only one side of the story, and you need someone who can relate your version of events.
Discuss your case with an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer at The Alers Law Firm by calling us today. We believe that everyone deserves a vigorous legal defense, no matter the charge.
Reasons for Arrests Inside Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld
Orlando-area theme parks, especially Walt Disney World, maintain a very aggressive posture when it comes to enforcing rules and laws. Everything begins with security outside the park. Guests’ belongings are subject to search before they can enter, and they could be arrested for what is found in their bags. These theme parks are known to have a very large security force, including some who are working undercover, monitoring guests as they enjoy their day in the park. Orlando area theme parks, including Universal Studios, are also patrolled by uniformed police officers.
Common reasons why people may be arrested at an Orlando theme park include:
- Theft: Guests may be accused of shoplifting from one of the many stores or taking property from another guest
- Drug charges: Guests must pass through security before they enter the park. In one case, a 69-year old grandmother was arrested after Disney security found a bottle of CBD oil in her purse.
- Assault and battery: Guests may be alleged to have been involved in physical altercations with each other or park staff.
- Child abuse or neglect: Parents may be charged if they are alleged to have struck their child in an abusive manner or left them unattended in the park when they require supervision.
- Gun charges: Dozens of people are arrested each year for trying to bring guns into Disney World. Even if the ownership is legal in Florida, guns are banned in the park.
Theme park security guards may have detained you while they called for the police. In the meantime, you would likely be given a trespass warning, which would bar you from the park permanently. Based on the story that the employee or security guard is telling, you may be arrested by the police, who are inclined to believe what they hear from park employees. In the meantime, you should not admit anything to security or the police because your own words can be used against you.
You Can Defend Yourself from Criminal Charges
Once you have been arrested at one of the Orlando theme parks, it is vital that you contact a criminal defense attorney. You would find yourself in the criminal justice system in what may be an unfamiliar state far from your home.
In some cases, the charges that the theme parks are pressing against you may be the result of a misunderstanding. In that event, a criminal defense attorney may contact the park to tell your side of the story. There is a chance that the charges could be dropped after your version of events is heard because the park only hears one side of the story until that point.
You Must Appear in Court Locally or Have an Attorney Do It
If you have been arrested at an Orlando theme park, you would be required to appear in court in Orange County. It does not matter whether you live in the area. There is a chance that you may be able to have your own appearance waived if a criminal defense attorney is appearing on your behalf, depending on the charges and the judge. You need an attorney who is licensed to practice in Florida who can represent you locally. Your criminal defense lawyer would investigate your case and help determine whether you have any defenses to the charges against you. Remember that park security is not always right, and there is a chance that your rights may have been violated during the arrest process.
Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm Today
When you have been arrested at an Orlando theme park, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers in Orlando at the Alers Law Firm to discuss your case. We offer free initial consultations, and you can schedule one with a criminal defense attorney by calling us today at (407) 863-3885.
Attorney Chavelys Y. Alers was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She specifically grew up in the towns of Vega Baja and Dorado. Attorney Alers is bilingual, as she is fluent in both English and Spanish. Two decades ago, Attorney Alers migrated from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, Central Florida. Learn more here.
