Common Winter Crimes
Crime rates don’t necessarily decrease in the winter months, but the type of crimes most often committed do change. Knowing the most common winter crimes, and their potential consequences can help you stay out of trouble this winter.
Common Winter Crimes in New Jersey
Here are some of the most common winter crimes in New Jersey:
Theft
Theft rates tend to increase during the winter months for a few reasons. For one, people are spending more time indoors and may be looking for a cost-effective way to manage their boredom. This may also lead to an increase in shoplifting. The rate of car theft also goes up as stealing a car may be easier in the winter months. Many people take advantage of remote starters to warm up their cars on cold, winter mornings. It also gets darker earlier, which may make it easier to steal.
Assault
Assault rates also increase in the winter months. Some people may be driven to assault charges after a night of drinking. With winter having some of the most popular drinking holidays, including Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, this can lead to an increased rate of assault. People are also stuck indoors for longer, which can lead to more domestic disputes or disagreements among friends.
Other Contributions to Winter Crimes
Many people dread winter. The weather gets colder, it gets darker sooner, and Daylight Saving’s Time throws off everyone’s internal rhythm. Household costs may go up as you spend more on heat and electricity. There is also less to do, as it’s too cold to spend time outdoors. The holidays can also be a difficult time for some. People may dread the upcoming holidays, especially if they don’t have any nearby family or friends to spend it with. The holiday season itself can also be expensive, which may contribute to higher rates of theft.
How to Avoid Common Winter Crimes
Here are a few ways you can reduce your or your teen’s risk of getting charged with a crime this winter season:
- Know your limit: Alcohol contributes to many occurrences of assault. If your winter celebrations involve alcohol, be sure that you know your limit and stick to it to avoid a DUI.
- Go over the laws with your teen: Teens are also subject to an increase in criminal activity during the winter months. Review the laws and their potential consequences with them.
- Know when to call a lawyer: If you’re charged with a crime this winter, it’s important to consider your legal options as soon as possible by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Criminal charges can follow you long after you have completed your sentence. If you are convicted of assault or theft, it could affect your employment options later. It could also lead to expensive legal costs and potentially jail time. Find out what your legal defense options are before you’re left with a permanent criminal record.
Contact an Experienced Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with assault or theft in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with assault or theft in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
