The 4th Annual Marijuana Law for Musicians
and DWI Law for Social Drinkers

April 15th, at the Mohawk, Austin. 8-9pm. Free.

4/20 is fast approaching!

Charlie Roadman, a local musician and criminal defense attorney, has defended misdemeanor and felony marijuana charges In Travis County for 6 years.

This will be the 4th year that he has put on the hour-long humorous presentation about the nuances of marijuana defense — which answers common questions about pot possession — such as, how to avoid being arrested, and what to say or do if you are.

Every year, having a clean record becomes more important. Charlie says "It used to be that only huge corporations could afford to do extensive background checks. Nowadays, the internet makes it easy for anyone. Even apartment complexes check now. And they often won't rent to people with a criminal conviction — even a misdemeanor."

The springboard for the talk is Matthew McConaughey's 2001 arrest for marijuana possession — which is a near perfect example of what happens when unrepentant illegal police procedure meets a naked movie star.

This year will include a discussion of the new Texas marijuana possession law (House Bill 2391) and how it has been implemented by APD.

Additionally, the presentation will introduce a new topic — DWI Law for Social Drinkers. "DWI is the second most common arrest for musicians..." says Charlie, "Musicians are often driving late at night, after loading out of the clubs — and that's when the police are out hunting for DWIs."

Far from being a dry recitation of the law, the presentation is a penetrating look at the absurdity and hypocrisy of criminalizing marijuana possession (while simultaneously allowing alcohol, a far more dangerous drug, to be legal). And it is impossible not to laugh at the anecdotes that come from defending pot smokers.

"Luckily, we live in a very tolerant county. But, we aren't in Amsterdam. The police don't laugh at marijuana. They won't turn a blind eye. They are always looking for it... with the same determination that you looked for Easter eggs when you were 6 years old..."