Mississippi Criminal Law BlogThe holiday season is well underway! Decorations are up, stores are crowded with an abundance of shoppers, and holiday parties have commenced. For many, it is a time of happiness and cheer. It’s a time to celebrate and appreciate time with family and friends. For others, the holidays are particularly challenging, bringing up difficult emotions or memories, and increased stress. Whether you are full of holiday spirit or struggling through the season, it is helpful to be aware of some of the top crimes committed during the holiday season:
Shoplifting:
Shoplifting from a retail store is a common crime and it is no surprise that it is even more common during the holidays. Shopping is at a peak during the holiday season. Even with seasonal help, there are frequently not enough employees to be heedful and fully attentive to the holiday crowds. Shoplifters often take advantage of these conditions and rates of theft increase significantly.
Be aware of the laws and penalties involved with theft in the Magnolia State. Shoplifting even a small item can add up to big problems and what may seem like a minor offense could have a very detrimental outcome.
Robbery:
The holiday season sees an increase in robberies. Robbers are aware that people are often carrying more cash and holiday crowds can provide distraction. People are often robbed in public places, parking lots, on the street, etc. Stay alert and mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Drunk Driving/DUI:
Holiday festivities and celebrations commonly include consumption of adult beverages. While sipping your eggnog or holiday cocktail, we urge you to drink responsibly and choose a designated driver; a fun and festive evening can quickly turn tragic. With the increase in celebrations and parties during the holiday season comes increases in incidents of drunk driving, fatalities and injuries related to drunk driving, and DUI charges.
We urge you to remember that a DUI will not only disrupt your party plans, it can have significant consequences on your future. You could be looking at a driver’s license suspension, large fines, jail time, and the long-term impacts of a criminal record. Please see our previous blog posts about the fines and penalties for DUI convictions in the Magnolia State and our previous posts with party planning tips to stay safe during holiday celebrations.
Domestic Violence/Assault:
Emotions often run high around the holidays with close proximity to family, escalated emotions, and elevated levels of tension, stress, and irritability. Be mindful of your emotions, your behavior, and the potentially life changing consequences of letting a domestic dispute escalate out of control. Such a dispute can quickly result in criminal charges. A good situation can turn bad when drugs or alcohol are involved and/or in times of significant stress, as is often the case during the holiday season.
It is an unfortunate reality that there are heightened levels of crime committed during the holidays. In addition to the crimes listed here, this time of year sees increased instances of vehicle theft, home burglary, and sexual assault, as well as drug and alcohol related crimes. We are hopeful that the awareness of common crimes committed around the holidays can help prevent you from becoming a victim.
What should an Offender do if they are being Charged with a Crime?
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants pursue favorable outcomes. Although being accused of a crime is not a pleasant experience, especially around the holidays, there are many potential defense strategies that can be used to defend and reduce the charges against an offender. Call/contact us today for your free consultation to learn more.
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