Common Charges at Michigan Sports Venues and Bars

Law enforcement in Michigan tends to maintain a strong presence at major sporting events. Whether it’s uniformed officers patrolling stadium concourses or undercover officers at tailgates, the goal is to keep the peace—but it also means arrests do happen and fast. Some of the most common charges at sports venues and bars include:

• Disorderly Conduct: This can range from public intoxication to profane shouting or fights in the stands. It’s often a misdemeanor and considered a “catch-all” charge for bad behavior in public places.
• Assault and Battery: If someone throws a punch during an argument or physical altercation, they can be charged with assault—even if no serious injury occurred.
• Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer: If you fail to comply with officers’ commands, even something as simple as pulling your arm away during an arrest, you could face this felony charge.
• Minor in Possession (MIP): Underage drinking at sporting events is still quite common and seriously enforced by law enforcement.
• Public Intoxication and Urinating in Public: Especially common in tailgate situations or packed restrooms at stadiums.
• Open Intoxicants in Public or a Vehicle: Michigan law prohibits open alcohol containers in most public spaces and in your car unless stored properly.

Many of these charges may seem minor on the surface, but they can carry significant legal consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. More importantly, how your case is handled can make the difference between a slap on the wrist and long-term consequences.

What Happens After You’re Arrested at a Sporting Event in Michigan?

Getting arrested is never part of the game plan, but if it happens, here’s what to expect:

1. Detainment and Booking

Depending on the venue and severity of the offense, you may be temporarily detained at the stadium or nearby by event security before being formally arrested by local police. For events in Detroit, you’re likely to be taken to the Detroit Detention Center or a local station for booking, where you'll be fingerprinted and processed.

2. Arraignment

Your arraignment will usually happen within 72 hours of your arrest. This is your first formal court appearance, where the judge will read the charges against you, advise you of your rights, and set bond or bail conditions. If you're arrested in Wayne County, this will likely happen at the 36th District Court in Detroit. In other counties like Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw, you'll appear in the district court with appropriate jurisdiction based on where the venue was located.

3. Conditions of Release

If alcohol or drugs were involved, expect the judge to prohibit further use or require random testing. You may also be ordered to stay away from alcohol-serving venues or the stadium where the incident took place.

4. Court Hearings and Pretrial Conferences

Your next steps involve negotiation with the prosecuting attorney, potential plea offers, and filing motions to suppress evidence, among other options. This is where legal representation becomes critical. A good lawyer may be able to get evidence thrown out, have charges reduced, or even get the case dismissed entirely depending on witness credibility, procedural violations, or mitigating factors.

Legal Penalties for Sports-Related Arrests

Your outcome will depend primarily on the charges you're facing, your prior criminal history, and the facts of your case. Here’s what the penalty landscape looks like for some of the more common offenses:

• Disorderly Conduct: Punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. It's also often attached to probation, community service, and alcohol education.
• Simple Assault: Up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. If there’s bodily injury, the charge could be upgraded to aggravated assault, carrying up to a year in jail.
• Resisting and Obstructing: This is a felony and carries up to 2 years of prison time and significant fines. It can also affect employment and gun ownership rights.
• Minor in Possession (MIP): Fines, mandatory substance abuse screening, community service, and even driver’s license sanctions if repeated.
• Open Intoxicants: This misdemeanor is punishable by 90 days in jail or a $500 fine or both.

While these offenses may seem "minor," they can have long-lasting effects on your record, especially if you work in a licensed profession, government employee role, or any position requiring a background check.

Defending Against Charges After a Sporting Event Arrest

Every criminal charge comes with the possibility of a defense. If you’ve been charged at a game or bar, don’t assume you’re guilty just because you were arrested. The prosecutor has to prove every element of the charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Let’s say the police accuse you of assault because you got into a shoving match during a Red Wings game. Did you act in self-defense? Was someone else the aggressor? Were you mistakenly identified? Surveillance footage from near your seat or witness testimony could reveal that someone else was actually responsible.

If you’ve been charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct, we’ll want to look at whether the officer had probable cause for the arrest. Being loud isn’t necessarily illegal. Nor is merely having a drink before or during a game. The conduct must substantially disrupt public peace for the charge to be valid.

If arrested for resisting and obstructing, there may be bodycam footage or video from a bystander that contradicts the officer's account. Sometimes, what police see as resisting is actually confusion or cooperation that was misinterpreted—especially if alcohol is involved.

What to Do If You Were Arrested at a Sporting Event or Bar in Michigan

Here’s what to do immediately if you or someone close to you has been charged after a Michigan sporting event:

• Don’t Talk to Police: You have the right to remain silent. Politely invoke your right to an attorney and avoid explaining your side until you’ve consulted legal counsel.
• Document the Incident: Write down everything you can remember—names, badge numbers, specific actions that were taken, any witnesses around you, and where it happened.
• Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away: Time is critical. A lawyer can help preserve evidence (such as security camera footage), request discovery from law enforcement, and begin preparing a defense immediately.

If you’ve been arrested at a Detroit Tigers, Lions, Pistons, or Michigan Wolverines game—or even at a bar watching one—you need someone who knows the local courts, the charges, and how to fight them. Criminal defense lawyer Aaron J. Boria has successfully defended clients arrested at events all over Michigan. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a felony, we’ve got your back.

Why Choose Boria Law for Your Defense?

Located in Plymouth, Michigan, and serving the greater Metro Detroit area, we’ve earned a reputation for helping good people out of bad situations. At Boria Law, we don’t just look for shortcuts or encourage you to take every plea deal—we do our due diligence to fight for your rights and protect your record.

We’ve had cases dismissed due to faulty identification, suppression of illegally obtained evidence, and even failures by law enforcement to follow proper procedure. Our tactics are aggressive, smart, and focused on getting you the best possible outcome—whether that’s reduced charges, a deferred judgment, or a trial win.

Call (734) 453-7806 today for a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with attorney Aaron J. Boria—no assistants, no call centers, just straight talk from a top-rated defense attorney.

Conclusion

Sporting events are meant to be fun—but sometimes the excitement can lead to trouble. If you’re arrested at a stadium, arena, or bar during a game in Michigan, don’t panic. Whether you're charged with disorderly conduct, assault, or a more serious offense like resisting arrest, there are always options, and there are often defenses.

Your best bet is to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands Michigan law, local courts, and how to navigate these types of cases. If you've been charged during a sporting event, don’t wait. Contact Boria Law today by calling (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation to review your case. We offer experienced, aggressive, and compassionate representation that puts your best interests first.

Your rights matter—even at the ballpark.