The holidays are a joyous time of year where we spread peace on earth and good tidings to all. Research shows, ironically, that it is also a season of increased crime. There are a couple of reasons for this. Stress levels are high due to financial obligations and from spending more time extended family. Additionally, people drink more during the holidays. This is especially true for those that are not typical drinkers.
The holiday crime wave is well studied and begins with Thanksgiving eve. Black Wednesday, or Drinksgiving, ushers in the holiday crime season as the busiest drunk driving night of the year. Capping it all off is New Year's Eve, or Amateur's Night which is infamous for being a night where people, who do not typically spend evenings out, stay out late and are forced to make decisions regarding driving that they are not typically faced with.
The mix of stress and atypical drinking could result in charges - and often does this time of year. When people have the pressure of adding gifts to their already tight budget, the temptation to take may be too much. Or, the increased time together can create an environment that an out-of-line comment, that would usually be ignored, turns into a shove or a punch.
Our police officers are aware of the holiday crime wave. During this time, they will be on overtime. Common charges resulting from holiday stress include:
- Domestic Battery
- Battery
- Shoplifting
- DUI
- Traffic Infractions
- Property Crimes
- Public Intoxication
- Trespassing
If you are charged with a holiday crime, seek an attorney who will take the time to understand the underlying issue of the offense. In many cases, those charged over the holidays are good people who rarely, if ever, commit crimes. There could be a compelling fact to mitigate the punishment. Or, there could be an outright defense or defense strategy that could help with your case.