Coachella and Stagecoach criminal defense lawyer Joshua Mulligan has defended over hundreds of music festival cases.
Wilkerson & Mulligan
Coachella and Stagecoach Defense
Wilkerson & Mulligan—criminal defense lawyers who don’t beat around the bush. No fluff, no false promises. Maybe you messed up, maybe you didn’t. But right now, "The System" has its sights on you. And you need someone who knows the ropes—someone who’s not just chasing a paycheck, but who will fight for you like your life depends on it.
Arrested at the music festival? Don’t worry, we’ve seen it all. Drug charges, underage drinking, fake IDs—it’s like a broken record. One moment, you're going about your life, enjoying its freedoms. The next, you're standing in a courtroom.
But here's what sets us apart: at Wilkerson & Mulligan, we don't merely handle cases—we stand up for people. We take the time to truly understand your story, every detail, every nuance—the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. Then, we build a defense that's not only strong but authentic, one that will leave the prosecutor caught off guard. You deserve a lawyer who fights for you, not just for a paycheck.
If you're fed up with feeling like just another number or case file, pick up the phone. We're not here to judge; we’re here to stand with you and fight for your future. And I guarantee this—we’re damn good at it.
We’ve represented over 100 people caught up in the chaos of the Coachella Fest and Stagecoach—facing everything from possession, drug sales, underage drinking, and the all-too-common fake ID charge.
Over 100 5-star reviews that tell the story of the tireless effort and heart we pour into every case.
Honored year after year as a "Top Lawyer" by Palm Springs Life Magazine, because we don’t just talk about justice—we deliver it.
Joshua Mulligan is a California State Bar Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, a distinction earned through years of proven success and relentless dedication.
Top Rated Music Festival Defense
With years of proven experience and expertise in defending clients who have been arrested at Coachella and Stagecoach, we understand the unique challenges these events present. From navigating local laws to dealing with event-specific charges, our team is well-versed in protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. Whether it's minor offenses or more serious charges, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success to every case.
The dark side of the music festivals…
Local attorneys have been saying “come on vacation, leave on probation” here in the Coachella Valley since the spring break cruising scene in Palm Springs in the 1980’s. It holds true today as well for the hundreds of prosecutions arising every year from the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.
Local police departments conduct extensive sting operations.
At the music festivals, local and state police departments conduct extensive sting operations for drug sales and drug possession. Other common charges include minor in possession and drunk driving. Whatever your particular case is about, Forest Wilkerson and Joshua Mulligan are defense attorneys who can help.
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At the music festivals, officers from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) work undercover in the crowd, blending in with festival-goers. They may dress casually and adopt various appearances, making it hard to spot them. While drug use is common at these festivals, only about 100 drug-related arrests occur each weekend. To avoid getting caught, it's important to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially if engaging in risky activities like using drugs.
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At Coachella and Stagecoach, individuals are often caught through "suspicious activity" observed during security checks. Officers are trained to detect nervous behavior or actions that suggest someone is concealing items. Women should be cautious about being asked to shake their bras, and concealing items in socks or underwear may raise red flags. The locker area is also closely monitored for drug exchanges. To avoid drawing attention, it’s crucial to stay calm, discreet, and aware of your surroundings. The more cautious you are, the less likely you are to be targeted by law enforcement.
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Selling or distributing drugs at Coachella is always risky, and handing drugs to anyone in the crowd—especially someone who seems to be a potential buyer—can lead to trouble. Even if a friendly-looking person asks for drugs, they may be an undercover officer. While it’s legal in California to give marijuana to adults over 21, caution is still necessary, and accepting money for drugs is illegal. Giving away drugs is considered "furnishing," a felony under Health & Safety Code 11379. Whether selling or sharing, the consequences are severe, so it's best to keep your drugs to yourself and avoid illegal situations.
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It’s a common misconception that a fake ID, even a high-quality one, will always work at festivals like Coachella or Stagecoach. As an attorney who has represented many clients in similar situations, I can tell you that many people are caught off guard when their counterfeit ID fails at these events. I’ve seen cases where clients, who had used their fake IDs without issue earlier in the festival, were arrested on later days. The Alcohol and Beverage Control officers at these events are highly skilled at spotting fraudulent IDs, and there is always an officer at the ID check booth. Regardless of past successes, the chances of getting caught at Coachella or Stagecoach are significantly high.
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At both Coachella and Stagecoach, undercover officers blend in with the crowd, making it possible they could be standing next to you while you enjoy the music. If you are over 21, never provide alcohol to minors. If an undercover officer sees someone without a wristband drinking from your beverage, they may approach you and begin questioning.
If this occurs, immediately ask, "Am I being detained?" If the answer is no, you are free to leave—do not attempt to run. If you are being detained, remain calm and do not answer any questions. Simply state, "I am asserting my right to remain silent."
It's important to understand that speaking to law enforcement will not help you avoid consequences. Apologizing or trying to explain yourself can increase the likelihood of arrest and prosecution. You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and it’s wise to exercise that right. Follow the advice of our nation's founders: stay silent and avoid escalating the situation.
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If you are detained at Coachella or Stagecoach, you will be arrested, handcuffed, and transported by golf cart to what is known as "Festival Jail"—a tent where the police process arrestees. During this time, you should only provide your name and basic identifying information. Officers will take your photograph and seize any alcohol or fake IDs as evidence. You will then receive a citation for a criminal case, including a court date, which is typically scheduled for August. Once the process is complete, you will be released back into the festival.
It is crucial to remain silent and avoid engaging in any conversation that could complicate your situation. Protect your rights by staying calm and limiting your responses to basic information.
After a Coachella or Stagecoach Arrest
If an individual is arrested at any of the music festivals, the next step would often involve going to court for an arraignment. This is where the person is formally charged with a crime and informed of their rights. During the arraignment, the accused can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Don’t risk losing your license or future financial aid. Forest and Joshua understand how seemingly minor offenses can have serious consequences, especially for young people. For instance, a minor in possession charge can result in the loss of your driver’s license, and a drug conviction can disqualify you from receiving student loans. Non-citizens may even face deportation for small offenses.
We recognize that traveling for defense can be costly, especially for clients from other states or countries. We strive to minimize your travel requirements by offering phone, video, or Skype consultations whenever possible. In some misdemeanor cases, we may handle all court appearances on your behalf, so you don’t have to travel for hearings.
For many misdemeanor cases, we aim for diversion programs, where you complete classes or counseling, and the case is dismissed. For clients outside the Coachella Valley, we’ll work with local courts to ensure that diversion programs in your area are recognized.