Summer is fast approaching, along with an increase in certain types of crime. While increases in crime rate during the summer months impact communities all across the nation, certain factors about the south – and Louisiana, in particular – make crime more likely. The hot weather has a lot to do with seasonal crime increases.
If you’ve been accused of committing a crime in Louisiana, it is important to obtain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so they can protect your rights during the investigation and court process, and can help you determine the best defense strategy to avoid as many of the consequences of conviction as possible. For now, here is a look at why summer generally sees an increase in crime in Louisiana.
Seasonal Crime Trends in Louisiana
While there are social and cultural increases in crime in Louisiana that reflect longtime economic issues and other problems, temperature also plays a major role in crime. According to a report from Fox Weather, psychologists note that people tend to become uncomfortable when the temperature rises, even before they physically experience the feeling of being too hot. Dehydration and heat tend to make temperatures, and emotions, flare, particularly if there is not much of a way for people to cool down.
Adding to the discomfort of oppressively hot temperatures, there are changes to social routines during the summer months, including schools going on summer break and leaving individuals to reckon with boredom, new faces, and new attitudes that come into an area through summer tourism.
Violent Crimes
According to the US Department of Justice, the rates of rape or sexual assault and aggravated robbery are higher in the summer months, while simple assault is usually seen more in the fall. Violence involving weapons or actions that result in serious injury are also more common in the summertime, as are the rates of intimate partner violence. Winter rates of violent crimes are estimated at around 6% lower than summer’s rates. Overall, there is around 5% less violent crime in spring months when compared to summer, and 3% less violent crime in the fall.
Property Crimes
Rates of property crimes are several percentage points higher during summer months, with significant increases in household burglaries, household larceny, and other types of property crimes. Motor vehicle theft rates actually show less of a seasonal fluctuation than other types of property crimes. While property crimes follow a similar seasonal trend to other types of crimes, the reason for less of an increase in property crimes during the summer can have a lot to do with the increased amount of daylight hours during the summer months, which can make it harder to gain access to someone else’s home.
If You’ve Been Accused of a Crime, Contact John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm
Being convicted of any type of crime, whether it is a violent crime or a property crime, can have a disastrous impact on a person’s life and finances. A conviction of a crime can also appear on background checks for many years after the crime took place, making it more difficult for an individual to obtain housing, employment, or even education from a public institution. The experienced legal team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm understands how overwhelming it can be to be charged with a crime and to navigate the criminal court process. We want you to know that you don’t have to fight these charges alone.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will look at every fact of your case in order to determine the defense strategy that will provide you with the best possible outcome. This strategy might include seeking a dismissal of the case based on a lack of evidence against you or improper procedure during the investigatory process, negotiating a plea deal that allows you to avoid some of the consequences of the original charge, or even fighting to show reasonable doubt in a courtroom. To learn more about your legal options, call us for a free consultation at (318) 377-1555 or send us a message online.