Craig Divine, a criminal defenese attorney in Kansas City, knows from experience there is always a significant spike in crime during the holidays.
The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) provides statistical data indicating that in the United States, certain crimes tend to occur each year over the holidays. Reports describe seasonal patterns in property crime (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other household theft) and violent victimization (rape and sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault). Other forms of violence, including intimate partner violence, victimizations involving a weapon, and violence resulting in injury, also tend to spike during the holidays.
Why Crime Rates Increase During Holidays
New Year’s Eve, Independence Day (4th of July), Memorial Day and Labor Day are holidays usually associated with increased alcohol-related crimes. Domestic violence crimes tend to be associated more with Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day, and most theft crimes occur around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. These are more serious crimes that impact everyone, not just the immediate people involved.
According to a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri/St Louis, Dr. Janet Lauritsen, the crimes of robbery and personal larceny always go up over the holidays. The three main factors that explain why crime rates increase at these times are:
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Alcohol Consumption Increases.
Many holiday parties and celebrations include the use of alcohol. People often forget to arrange for a designated driver or another way home.Driving Under the Influence is the #1 cause of New Years Eve arrests. -
Emotions Run High
The holidays just seem to bring out the worst in some people. Depression and unhappiness seem more profound. An increase in domestic violence as well as self-inflicted wounds and even suicide, increase during the holidays. Strong emotions can cause people to act erratically. Combined with increased alcohol consumption, it’s like a ticking time bomb. -
Theft
People feel pressured to give gifts they can’t afford around the holidays. Oftentimes, companies enact layoffs and down-sizing during the holiday, as well. The result often leads to people resorting to theft, especially in areas where crowds of people are gathered – New Year’s Eve celebrations, for example. New Year’s crimes are nearly all alcohol-related. People resorting to fighting, disorderly conduct, and lewd behavior is more prevalent. Disturbing the peace is a common occurrence. Law enforcement sets up checkpoints for drunk drivers, which leads to DUI arrests.
Of course, there are many other reasons to explain the increase in holiday crime, but these are the three main reasons it happens.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a holiday-related crime, it’s important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
A criminal defense attorney will assist you in your defense and help protect your rights. If you are arrested or detained for more than a routine traffic stop, you should state your wish to remain silent until you are able to speak with your attorney.
There can be serious consequences to having a criminal charge against you. The laws are complicated and change frequently, and as every case is unique. The advice of an experienced lawyer can lead to a better overall outcome.
Criminal defense attorney Craig Divine is experienced and competent in holiday crimes in Kansas City and is fully capable of obtaining the best possible outcome of your case. Call today to schedule a free consultation. 816-474-2240, or visit our website. Licensed in Missouri and Kansas.
Divine Law Office LLC – Kansas City, MO – 104 W 9th St., Suite 404, Kansas City, MO 64105