What Are the Most Common Crimes During the Holiday Season?
During the holiday season, many people are under added stress and strain as they try to provide for their families and manage busy schedules. Some people choose to resort to theft, burglary, and other criminal acts to get extra money for the holidays. The added stress of the holidays can also cause an increase in domestic disputes, family disagreements, and alcohol-related crimes like DUIs and assault.
If you are charged with a crime this holiday season, you need an experienced criminal lawyer in Tucson, AZ fighting for your rights. Janet Altschuler has decades of experience as a criminal attorney in Tucson and throughout Arizona. Take a look at some of the most common crimes committed during the holidays and call our office if you need an experienced attorney for criminal defense.
Vehicle Theft and Vehicle Break-Ins
More people leave valuable items in their vehicles during the holidays, often while they are out doing their holiday shopping. This makes vehicles a target for criminals, who may try your car doors or break your windows to steal your holiday gift items. They may also look for vehicles that have bags or purses inside or other high-value items out in plain sight. Vehicle theft also increases around the holidays.
Package Theft
Many people go from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for packages that have been delivered to people’s porches or to businesses. If the packages were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, the thieves could end up facing federal charges. Depending on the value of the items stolen, they could also face local felony or misdemeanor charges. It may be easier for police officers to find porch pirates and for prosecutors to build a case against them due to the increase in use of doorbell cameras and security cameras.
Drunk Driving and Car Accidents
Even a minor accident can have significant consequences that haunt you for the rest of your life. A first-time DUI in Arizona can result in a sentence of 10 days in jail, community service, alcohol screening and education, alcohol treatment, a fine of $1,250, and equipping your vehicle with an ignition interlock device. If it isn’t your first DUI, you can face a sentence of 90 days in jail, revocation of your driver’s license, alcohol screening and education, alcohol treatment, community service, a fine of $3,000, and equipping your vehicle with an ignition interlock device. If you drive drunk and injure or kill someone, you can face prison time.
Retail Theft and Shoplifting
Some people resort to shoplifting to get extra money during the holidays or to get presents for their families. Most retail stores hire extra security during the holidays, and almost everything is on camera these days. If you are caught shoplifting, even if you just forgot to pay for an item, you could face jail time, fines, and damage to your reputation.
If you have been charged with a crime in Arizona, you must hire an experienced criminal lawyer in Tucson, AZ. Call Janet Altschuler today at 520-247-1789 or 520-200-5003 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online.