How An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays of the year. It’s a great chance for kids of all ages to dress in costume and play make believe. Unfortunately, it also has one of the highest crime rates of any night of the year. What criminal acts are most commonly reported on Halloween? How can a proven criminal defense attorney protect your rights if you’re arrested or detained for an illegal act?
What Are the Most Common Criminal Offenses Committed on Halloween?
Authorities report an increase in a number of different crimes on Halloween night:
- Theft—Thieves target homes, cars, and candy bags.
- Trespassing—Trespassing might be committed in a cemetery or public school, but it might also be at a private residence when homeowners are distracted by trick-or-treaters.
- Vandalism—Perhaps the most common Halloween night mischief involves destroying decorations or throwing eggs or toilet paper.
- Assault—From groups of teens to adult revelers, assaults on Halloween are usually associated with alcohol or substance abuse.
- Disorderly conduct
- Alcohol offenses—In addition to assaults, other alcohol-related offenses that typically occur on Halloween include underage drinking or DUI/DWI.
Why Does Crime Go Up on Halloween Night?
Authorities cite a number of factors that lead to increased criminal activity on Halloween night:
- Costumes provide anonymity, so that persons who might be predisposed to behave illegally or improperly may feel like they can do so without being known or getting caught.
- There tend to be more people out and about, which can make it easier for persons committing crimes to blend in.
- Many of the events of Halloween take place after dark, when it’s more difficult to see perpetrators or observe criminal acts.
- The holiday, with its focus on witches, warlocks, and ghosts, tends to encourage mischief and risk-taking.
- Alcohol and drug use tend to go up on Halloween, often tied to costume parties or other social events.
- The holiday tends to be celebrated by groups, not families or individuals, leading to a greater incidence of “herd mentality.”
How Can a Proven Criminal Defense Attorney Protect Your Rights After a Halloween Arrest?
Under the U.S. Constitution, as a citizen, you have certain rights when suspected of or detained for criminal activity. Those rights apply regardless of the nature of the crime. A knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney can safeguard your rights at any stage of a criminal proceeding or prosecution:
- Ensuring that there was probable cause for any search, seizure, or arrest
- Confirming that you were properly notified of your Miranda rights if taken into custody
- Ensuring that you were able to exercise your rights to remain silent, to know the charges against you, and to have an attorney present at all times
An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of your arrest or detention, reviewing police reports and interviewing all witnesses. Your lawyer can advise you at all stages of a criminal prosecution, from arraignment and booking to bail hearings and trial, if necessary. If there’s evidence that law enforcement officers violated your constitutional rights, your lawyer can have evidence thrown out or potentially have the charges dismissed.
Contact the Proven Criminal Defense Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have aggressively represented criminal defendants in Texas for more than four decades, including people charged with many different types of criminal mischief. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below to set up a free initial consultation with a proven criminal law attorney. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
