Houston Law Enforcement Gear Up for an Increase in Crime
With the countdown to 2020 being less than two weeks away, Houston law enforcement agencies are gearing up for a busy time of the year. Certain crimes generally see an uptick during the holiday season and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Some of the most common New Year’s Eve crimes include:
- Public Intoxication – Texas Penal Code Section 49.02 makes it unlawful if a “person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another.” It is essential if you plan on going to a public location to celebrate NYE you drink in moderation to avoid a citation.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – DWI is a serious offense in the State of Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Harris County has the highest rate of alcohol-involved crashes and injuries in the State. To combat drunk driving, law enforcement agencies generally increase the number of patrols around the holidays.
- Drug-Related Offenses – People young and old look to New Year’s Eve as a time to celebrate. For some, those celebrations can include illegal substances. Law enforcement agencies are becoming better equipped to determine if someone is under the influence of an illicit drug or in possession of contraband.
- Assault and Battery – Heavy alcohol consumption and New Year’s Eve seem to go hand in hand with an estimated 54% of adults planning on consuming alcohol. Alcohol has been known to have a direct link to an increase in violent behavior.
- Sexual Assault – Sexual assaults also occur during New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol can be a major contributing factor in sexual assaults.
- Property Damage – New Year’s Eve celebrations, whether at a private residence or a public location, can turn quickly from a fun party to an insurance nightmare. Property damage from intoxicated guests overserved patrons, or a drunk driver is common during this time of year.
- Auto Theft – According to com, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of the most popular days for car theft.
- Discharging a Firearm – Celebratory gunfire on NYE is not only dangerous, but it can lead to severe penalties. A person can be charged with Disorderly Conduct for discharging a firearm in a public place and discharging a firearm on or across a public road.
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Shooting a gun in celebration of the New Year can lead to other related weapons charges such as unlawful possession of a firearm. The Texas Penal Code prohibits the possession of certain weapons and prohibits certain people from carrying firearms.
- Trespassing – Medical research shows that alcohol almost immediately begins to affect the normal function of the brain. One of the first effects of alcohol is a loss of inhibition. Unfortunately, this means that alcohol consumption may lead a person to make poor decisions, such as trespassing on another person’s property.
Fighting Criminal Charges in Houston
Getting arrested for a criminal offense can be terrifying. In order to protect your rights, you need an experienced Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer who will fight hard to get your charges reduced or even dismissed. Attorney James Alston knows what it takes to successfully defend cases in Houston, Texas. As a former Harris County District Attorney and federal prosecutor, he has the experience it takes to get the case results you deserve. Contact James Alston Law today at (713) 228-1400 for a free case consultation.