Increased Arrests During the Holidays

 Posted on December 23, 2023 in Criminal Defense

While the holidays give us the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, there is evidence that arrests increase in November and December. A recent study showed that both robbery and larceny increased by 20% during the holidays.

Spending the night in jail is the last thing that you need as you prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you or a loved one have been arrested during this holiday season, you need the experience that can only be found in a Stamford criminal defense lawyer

What Crimes Increase During the Holiday Season?

While these arrests happen year-round, there is evidence showing an uptick in the following crimes:

Larceny

With the pressure to buy the perfect gift for family members, the number of cases of shoplifting surge during the holidays

If you are charged with shoplifting, you may be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the cost of the merchandise stolen. At its most severe, if your merchandise is valued up to $15,000, you may be serving 20 years in prison, with a potential fine of $15,000

At its least severe, if you steal items that are valued below $500, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. With this charge, you may be spending up to three months in prison and paying a fine of up to $500.

Drunk Driving

Connecticut law enforcement does not go lightly on DUI charges. Even if it is your first offense, you may be serving six months in prison, with a maximum fine of $1,000. For a third offense and any offense thereafter, you may be serving three years in prison

Additionally, an offender can expect to pay upwards of $8,000 in fines and have his or her license suspended.

Burglary 

In 2021, 60,851 instances of burglary were reported in the United States. Even though there has been a marked decline in 2020 and 2021, the burglary crime rate tends to increase each holiday season.

If you are convicted of burglary, you may be incarcerated for 25 years and be fined up to $20,000.

Package Theft

If you are facing allegations of package theft, you can expect severe penalties depending on the cost of the item stolen. If the cost of the item is under $500, this offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A person charged with a Class A misdemeanor may be facing up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

Domestic Violence

Since people drink more during the holidays, emotions can run high. Discussions between family members can easily escalate, resulting in both verbal and physical altercations

A domestic violence conviction may result in severe penalties. Depending on the situation, a conviction of a Class A felony can mean up to 25 years in prison and paying up to $20,000 in fines.

No matter the criminal offense, you need a Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.

Contact a Stamford, CT, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Police officers are on high alert this time of year and are more inclined to arrest someone without gathering all the facts. If you have been arrested for a crime during the holidays, you need to hire the services of a Fairfield County, CT, criminal defense lawyer. Contact the office of Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner by calling 203-348-5846 or online for a complimentary consultation