We admit it. We made up the phrase holiday crime. Suffice it to say we are talking about arrests that seem to happen more frequently around the holidays. Indulge us. They may pertain to you.
There is sufficient evidence to back up our theory that arrests can be seasonal. According to statistics collected by the New Jersey State Police, some types of crime actually double during the holiday months.
Could You Need a Defense Attorney as a Result of the Holidays?
Some of the cases during the holiday season will be minor and only require municipal court appearances. That’s not to say that the potential for jail time isn’t a reality. You could be accused of snatching a package from someone’s porch and face big penalties. Punishment for shoplifting convictions relate to the worth of the item stolen.
Assault cases are on the up rise during the holiday season. Drunk driving arrests increase as people attend office and family celebrations. Although they are considered motor vehicle offenses, DWI charges still come with their share of fines and other penalties.
Let’s go through a brief listing of some criminal arrests that are made during the holidays and the importance of retaining an experienced defense attorney:
- Shoplifting: It is possible that you picked something up because you didn’t have the funds for a special gift. You may have even walked out of the store not realizing you forgot to pay for an item. You might want to take a look at our article on shoplifting. The consequences for a shoplifting conviction could be quite costly.
- Simple Assault: Assault charges seem to increase during holiday celebrations. Perhaps it is the change in mood. Maybe alcohol contributed to a disagreement. The important thing for this type of arrest is to fight charges and not be left with a record.
- Theft: Accused of theft of any kind? You should make sure you have spoken to an attorney to see what penalties you could be facing.
- Scams: Yes, we know that people are more inclined to give during the holiday season. However, you might want to review our piece on theft by deception.
- Drunk Driving: Drunk driving itself is considered a motor vehicle offense in New Jersey. However, criminal charges can be filed if someone is hurt or killed in a DWI accident.
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These are just some examples of some crimes that statistically increase during the holiday season. At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we can’t stress enough the importance of securing experienced legal representation. Contact us to see how we can assist you.
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