The dark side of Coachella and Stagecoach 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.

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.

Local police departments conduct extensive sting operations.

At Coachella and Stagecoach, 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, Joshua Mulligan is a defense attorney who can help

We Will Listen To Your Full Story

Forest and Josh have the common sense and experience to know that what is written in the police report is most often not the full story. They will listen to your side and investigate every possible angle to support your defense in a meticulous and passionate manner. While many attorneys find it sufficient to send an investigator to interview witnesses or take photos of the scene, Forest and Josh go along with investigators during their interviews to make sure all the right questions are asked and that they know what to expect when the witness testifies at trial. They will view the scene themselves to ensure that nobody understands the case or knows the facts as well as they do. This is especially important with crimes of violence because often people involved in altercations with others have a motivation to fabricate or exaggerate to cover up their own culpability and being present for interviews and viewing the scene can help uncover any inconsistencies or defenses available to you.

Whether you are guilty or innocent, or somewhere in-between, Forest and Josh have the ability and experience to present the most compelling defense possible, and will do so passionately and aggressively

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.  

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.