Every year during the holiday season, I normally go over a list of common crimes for which people find themselves arrested.
Chiefly at the top of that list is DUI. During the holiday season - normally the days leading up the Christmas, up through New Years Day - police will be out in force looking for impaired drivers.
Also, the holiday season can be a very stressful time for families. Domestic violence arrests are not uncommon during the month of December.
Theft crimes also occur during the holiday season. Some people out holiday shopping may try to shoplift their gifts instead of paying for them. I can assure you that it is far more costly to shoplift than it is to simply pay for the items.
In any event, nothing can ruin your holiday season like an arrest. I encourage all to be mindful of the consequences of breaking the law. However, I've been doing this long enough to know that you don't have to break the law to find yourself under arrest. Two beers with dinner, an expired tag, and an overzealous patrol officer are more than enough to land you in jail for DUI.
Enjoy your holiday season! Spend time with loved ones! Enjoy any time you may be taking off from school or work! But above all, be aware that just because the year is winding down doesn't mean that law enforcement is any less aggressive in going after suspected lawbreakers.
I hope you don't have to call me, but I'm here if you do.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
From The Law Offices of Eric M. Matheny, P.A.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. Cases in Monroe County, Collier County, Lee County, Hendry County, Glades County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Indian River County may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.