Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming, regardless of the time of year when you’re charged. But being charged with a crime on Thanksgiving can add even more stress to an already stressful situation. One minute, you’re preparing for a delicious meal surrounded by family and friends, and the next you’re considering your legal options.
Common Criminal Charges Around Thanksgiving
Some types of crimes tend to increase around the Thanksgiving holiday. A few of the most common include:
- Disorderly conduct: Disorderly conduct is the most common Thanksgiving day charge. It includes any behavior that may be considered disruptive.
- Driving under the influence: The legal BAC limit in New Jersey is 0.08%. If you’re over this limit, you could be charged with a DUI or DWI.
- Theft: Theft charges range depending on the value of items stolen. Most cases of theft are considered a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey.
- Assault charges: Assault charges also vary, depending on the details and whether a weapon is used.
Many Thanksgiving celebrations include the consumption of alcohol, which can affect your judgment. This may lead to you getting behind the wheel, which could result in a DUI. Alcohol can also lead to disagreements among friends, which could lead to assault charges. The holiday season also brings with it many sales and a need for shopping, which can lead to theft charges. Even acting in a disruptive way can lead to disorderly conduct charges in New Jersey.
Potential Consequences of Thanksgiving Criminal Charges
The consequences that you receive depend on the type of criminal charges and the details surrounding the event. But, being convicted of a crime in New Jersey can lead to a criminal record, expensive fines, and even jail time. The court may also order you to complete community service or attend a drug or alcohol resource center.
If you have prior offenses, you may receive even more strict legal consequences. A permanent criminal record can also continue to lead to challenges. It can impact your professional license or show up on a background check, leading to the difficulty of landing a job.
Being charged with a crime on Thanksgiving won’t necessarily affect the specific charges you receive, but it may affect the process. For example, you may be required to spend the whole holiday weekend in jail. For many crimes, the state requires that you meet with a judge before you’re released.
With the holiday schedule, most courts are not only closed on Thanksgiving but also the day after Thanksgiving. This means you could be required to spend the long weekend in jail awaiting your arraignment. This means missing out on all the holiday celebrations.
When to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re dealing with potential criminal charges, it’s important that you contact a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. With potential legal charges and the possibility of jail time, you can’t afford to wait. You need a defense lawyer who will work hard to evaluate the details of your case.
Read more: Were You Charged With a Crime? Here Are 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact an Experienced Trenton 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.
