Most Common Crimes Committed Over the Christmas Holidays

Is it the most wonderful time of the year or the most dangerous time of the year? According to Dr. Janet Lauritsen, a criminal justice and criminology professor at the University of Missouri, the crime rate in most cities increases during the holidays. Three crimes are committed more than usual: drunk driving, theft, and cybercrime.

In this article, we’ll look closely at these crimes and understand why they increase abnormally during the holidays. If you need legal help, we’ll also direct you to a qualified and competent criminal defense attorney in the Greater Houston area.

1. Drunk Driving

As people attend holiday parties with family, friends, and coworkers, they unwisely think that they can drink and drive. This causes a spike in drunk driving arrests. Most DWI arrests during the holidays take place at night from Thursday to Saturday, when parties are held.

If you’re going to attend a holiday party and you’re driving, drink responsibly. But to avoid getting arrested altogether, don’t drive if you’re going to drink. Call a cab, rideshare, friend, or family member for a ride home if you’re in no condition to drive. Groups should assign a designated driver who remains sober throughout the night.

2. Theft

The holidays are known for their string of irresistible sales. For some, huge discounts are no match for the five-finger discount. Most people are honest, but others won’t hesitate to take shortcuts and steal items—not just from stores but from shoppers as well. Thousands of wrapped Christmas presents and packages are stolen from homes and from vehicles in shopping area parking lots leading up to Christmas. These items are then sold on websites like Craigslist or eBay, which is how many criminals get caught.

3. Cybercrime

Cyberattacks surge during the holidays. This is because people are more prone to falling for phishing attacks. When someone receives a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” email, they may open it expecting a discount or a greeting from a loved one. If the email is embedded with malware, it can cause significant damage, especially if the victim is a business. Cybercriminals can cause damage worth millions of dollars by holding encrypted data for ransom.

If you’re looking for an experienced criminal defense lawyer in the Greater Houston area, call attorney JL Carpenter to help you make smart decisions when facing criminal charges. Known for her stellar track record, JL builds a strong and aggressive case for her clients. Her practice areas include DWI, drug possession, family violence, and domestic violence, among others.

Contact her today. For more information, explore JL’s FAQs page. She represents clients in Friendswood, Clear Lake, Webster, Houston, Galveston, League City, and the surrounding areas.