Christmas is when families and loved ones come together to spend quality time and enjoy each other’s company. Spending a night in jail is not typically on anyone’s list, much less on possibly the worst night of the year to be arrested. Although getting arrested during the holidays is not ideal, it is a reality for many individuals. Consider some things if you end up behind bars on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Continue reading to understand what you should expect regarding this matter.

Between mid-December to early January, there is generally a steep increase in arrests made across Florida and the United States. What is the reason for this sharp increase? Well, police departments remain on high alert during the holiday season to catch those who may be breaking any laws. Cops remain diligent in busting drivers who may be under the influence. However, DUI arrests are the only arrests made during the holidays. During Christmas celebrations, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, and many other arrests are rampant.

Expect Delays

If you get arrested during Christmas, you should expect delays. Although you may have heard that when you are arrested, you need to have a hearing within a specific time frame, that time frame does not include holidays or weekends. Therefore, if you end up in jail on holiday, even if it is a weekday, you may have to remain there until the following business day.

If you go to jail during the holidays, you may have to wait a while to see a judge. This year, Christmas eve and day fall on a weekend, so if you are arrested, you could spend the entire weekend in a cell rather than with your loved ones. Processing times after arrest can also be delayed due to increased arrests and backlogs of cases.

Arrested During the Holidays? Here’s What You Should do:

Although you may never need this advice, it is good information to have in the back of your mind in case you are ever arrested during a holiday.

  1. Remain silent – Although you may be arrested, you have a legal right to be represented by an attorney. If you are suspected of a crime, authorities are likely building a case against you. If you speak to the police or admit to anything in hopes that you will be released, you could hinder your case further. Don’t allow your words to be used against you and remain silent until you have legal representation.
  2. Contact an attorney – If you are facing a criminal charge, the first and only person you should be speaking to is a criminal attorney. Legal matters, especially when a criminal charge is involved, can often be tricky and involve solid legal representation. At Rivera Law, we have the expertise necessary to assist you with a criminal charge. If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, contact our office as soon as possible. We will exhaust every option viable to ensure that you regain some sense of normalcy back into your life.
  3. Let us do what we do best – Once you have contacted us and we take on your case, let us do what we do best. After we begin getting you released, we will discuss how we can get your charges reduced or dropped, all while guiding you through the entire process.

At Rivera Law, we are passionate about solving criminal cases with integrity and honor. Remember, if you are arrested during Christmas, remain silent and contact us to put yourself in a position to beat the charges against you. For more information, contact our office at 561-651-9322.