The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning holiday meals, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Another part of the holiday season that many don’t realize, is that it’s also a common time for crimes to occur. Crimes significantly increase during the holiday season.
Let’s explore some of the statistics, reasons for this increase in crime, and what you can do if you’re arrested during the holiday season.
Holiday Crime Rate Statistics
According to data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), crime does increase during the holiday season. The crimes that increase the most during this time are robbery and personal larceny, and they increase by as much as 20% when compared with other times of the year.
Cause of Increased Crime During the Holidays
There are a few reasons why experts predict that crime rates increase during the holiday season:
Increase in Alcohol Use
Many of the holiday parties you’ll attend this year are likely to serve alcoholic beverages. DUIs are especially common on, and around, Thanksgiving. Alcohol use can lead to an increase in assault charges. It’s not always easy to know your alcohol level when it comes to unique, once-a-year holiday drinks.
Read more: How to Dismiss a DUI Charge in New Jersey
Greater Opportunity for Theft
The holiday season is one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. This shopping trend begins the day after Thanksgiving when retail shops have sales. Shops are also more likely to have extended hours and fewer staff members who may be overwhelmed. This can increase the occurrence of theft. Some people may also be encouraged to steal holiday gifts in parked cars.
More Crowds
Larger crowds of people, whether they’re out shopping or celebrating, can also create an opportunity for theft. People may be more tempted to pickpocket or take things like wallets.
More Valuables in the Home
Breaks-in rates can also increase during the holiday season. With the holidays approaching, people are more likely to store valuable items in their homes. Additionally, people may spend more time away from home, whether they’re visiting family or attending celebrations late into the night.
The upcoming holiday season is not the only time of year that has an increase in crime. Other holidays that come with a higher rate of crime include New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
What to Expect if You Get Arrested
If you’re arrested for a crime in New Jersey, it’s important to remember that law enforcement has to read you your Miranda Rights. This includes your right to remain silent, as anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, as well as the right to an attorney. Once you’ve been transferred to the police station, you will be booked. This is when law enforcement will take down your personal information, fingerprint you, and remove any personal property on you to store. After being booked, officers may try to question you about the crime and your involvement. This is why contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is critical to your freedom.
Remember, local police will be on the lookout for people committing crimes over the next couple of months. If you’re arrested for a crime be sure to consider your options by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Princeton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
