The holiday season usually brings thoughts of big meals, family, friends, and shopping. Sadly, crimes seem to rise during the holiday season. With people carrying more cash on them and homes filled with expensive gifts, the holiday season creates a perfect crime environment. Holiday crime is something that you may not think about, but it occurs at alarming rates for a variety of reasons. It’s essential to know the types of crimes to protect yourself from. Here are a few common crimes committed in Louisiana during the holidays.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is already a common crime, and it increases during the holiday season. Even with seasonal help, stores often do not have the staff needed to handle holiday shopper crowds. Shoplifters can take advantage of these circumstances of packed stores and split employee attention.
Be aware of laws and penalties involved with theft in Louisiana. Shoplifting even the smallest items can lead to big problems. Like in most states, the consequences for shoplifting in Louisiana depend on the value of goods. For instance, if you steal property valued at less than $1,000, you can be sentenced to six months or less in prison, be fined $1,000, or receive both punishments.
Robbery
The holidays see an increase in robberies as well. Robbers are aware that shoppers typically have more cash on them, and large holiday crowds can distract their victims. People also tend to splurge on expensive gifts for their friends and family, which can be tempting to robbers.
Driving Under the Influence
Holiday celebrations and parties often involve alcoholic beverages. A fun and festive event can turn deadly if you’re not careful. Even those who are usually responsible drivers might overindulge at a party. Make sure to choose a designated driver before the event. Not only will driving under the influence affect your life, but it could significantly impact innocent pedestrians and other drivers.
Louisiana law prohibits a person from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. A DUI could not only disrupt the rest of your holiday plans but also jeopardize your future. A DUI might result in loss of driving privileges, large fines, or jail time.
Identity Theft
Credit and debit card transactions increase in stores and online throughout the holidays, which increases the risk of identity theft. As shoppers scramble to get the best deal, they may not be as careful when entering personal information at checkouts or ATMs.
Identity thieves typically steal bank information or Social Security numbers. If this happens to you, identity theft will cause serious havoc on your daily life, and it takes time and patience to resolve. When shopping at any time of year, it’s wise to take a few extra seconds to ensure your personal information is safe.
Domestic Violence
The holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation spent alongside family and friends. However, they also come with stress, financial worries, and anxiety, causing emotions to run high. Be mindful of your behavior and the potentially life-changing consequences of letting a dispute turn into domestic violence.
Coupled with the fact people wish to maintain a traditional setting during the holidays, those suffering from domestic violence might not speak out. Those who find themselves in an abusive relationship, regardless of the time of year, should seek help by contacting the police.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Louisiana
If you are charged with a crime, a top source of legal representation in Louisiana is the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. We have more than 25 years of experience representing citizens in Louisiana. It’s our mission to give you the most personalized experience possible.
Eric Johnson is a proven criminal defense lawyer who knows how to help his clients. He’s a problem solver who is committed to a thorough investigation of your case and devising a successful defense strategy. To schedule your free consultation, call (318) 377-1555 or complete our contact form.