Not only are the holidays a merry time of the year, but it is also the
season that experiences an increase in criminal activity every year. While
many people are attending festive events or buying gifts, others are making
mistakes that result in harsh criminal penalties, including jail or prison time.
The following is a list of the most common crimes during this time of year
in Florida:
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DUI – The holidays are a time for celebration, which is why alcohol
is often a part of the festivities. Since many people consume alcohol
during the holidays—especially in excessive amounts—fatal
drunk driving accidents and DUI arrests commonly occur in Florida. Check
out our previous blog post titled “What You Can Do to Avoid a Holiday
DUI” to learn about several helpful tips to avoid spending your
holidays behind bars.
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Sex crimes – Alcohol consumption at holiday parties can also lead to rape or
sexual assault. Drinking a significant amount of alcohol can impair a
person’s judgment and loosen their inhibitions. Women who drink
an excessive amount of alcohol are in greater danger of being a victim
of a sex crime. To avoid becoming a perpetrator or victim, keep tabs on
how much you drink and avoid being accused of inappropriate behavior by
keeping your comments and hands to yourself.
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Domestic violence – The stress of the holidays and spending more time with loved ones
can lead to more domestic violence disputes. In fact, police around the
country respond to more domestic violence calls during this season compared
to others. If there is an unresolved issue between you and a family member,
try your best to find a solution with the help of a professional like
a psychologist or therapist.
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Theft crimes – Since stores during the holidays are overcrowded and hectic, shoplifters
try to take advantage of distracted and overwhelmed retail workers and
security staff by obtaining gifts at a five-finger discount. Although
many people now do their holiday shopping on the internet, there are those—known
as porch pirates—who wait for packages to be delivered at homes
and steal them before homeowners can open their doors. Lastly, since the
holidays are also associated with long vacations, burglaries typically
happen when homes are left empty for a long period of time. If you are
thinking about stealing, remember that many homes and businesses are equipped
with security cameras, which can help police identify suspected thieves
even after the crime has occurred.
If you have been accused of a criminal offense during the holidays in Florida,
contact the Law Offices of Robert Stepniak today and request a free consultation.