What Are People Usually Arrested For During The July 4th Holiday?
Independence Day sees many Americans celebrating the freedom of our nation. Regardless of the fact that the holiday falls at the beginning of the week, many will choose to spend their day at a house party barbequing, relaxing by the pool, or lounging on the beach. Residents and tourists of all ages will be out having fun and experiencing the joys occurring on the 4th of July.
While the Fourth may evoke pleasant images of parties and sun-splashed cookouts, many major cities are preparing for a spike in crime and violence. The large gatherings typically involve alcohol-influenced decision-making, which drives up the number of crimes.
Avoid Spending Your Holiday Behind Bars
To avoid getting in trouble, you must be aware of the potential and most common crimes that could lead to your arrest. Here are the most common crimes that occur on Independence Day:
● Driving/Boating Under the Influence
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is when you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle with alcohol or controlled substances, such as drugs, in your system. If you are pulled over, and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or high, you could be charged with a DUI. However, if your BAC is below .08, you could still face a charge of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). This charge may apply due to the fact that even though you are under the legal limit, you are not driving safely, and you pose a risk to others or yourself.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is similar to driving under the influence. Florida law prohibits anyone from operating water vessels, including skis, sailboards, powerboats or similar watercraft, while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Each offense, from DUI, DWI, or BUI, is punishable under Florida Statutes, and if convicted, an individual could face imprisonment and/or a fine.
● Underage Drinking
Florida law restricts drinking for those under the age of 21. This means that any individual under 21 years old cannot purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. If a minor is arrested for possession or consumption of alcohol, the minor could face serious penalties.
While the minor may face the consequences for consuming and/or purchasing alcohol, the adult who purchased the alcohol may also be charged if they knowingly purchased alcohol for a minor. In Florida, it does not matter if you are a parent or a guardian; you cannot authorize them to break the law. If you are found liable for violating this statute, you could face a misdemeanor charge which provides up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
● Disorderly Conduct
On this holiday, Disorderly Conduct tends to be the highest crime committed. Many connect this charge to alcohol consumption which leads to drunken shenanigans, altercations, fights, and various other unruly behaviors. Disorderly conduct is also known for causing public alarm, property damage, and excessive acts of violence. Disorderly conduct tends to be a misdemeanor offense, which depending on the classification, could equal hefty fines and time in jail.
● Theft
From pickpockets to breaking and entering unattended homes, the festivities during Independence Day provide ample opportunities for theft. Florida classified theft as a person knowingly obtaining or using the property of another with the intent to keep or benefit from the sale of the property. To classify an offense of theft, you must look at the value of the property that has been stolen.
What to do if you have been detained on the 4th of July?
Contact Central Florida Bonding. We can help you today. We have extensive experience assisting a wide range of crimes involving alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and much more. Get more information on our website on how we can help you: https://cfborlando.com/. Want to talk to someone directly? You can also call us at 407-841-3646.
In addition to serving the entire Central Florida area, Central Florida Bonding also serves the cities of Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Longwood, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Maitland, Casselberry, and several other cities in the area. This Central Florida bail bonds agency is located at 2911 29th Street, Suite 300 in Orlando, Florida 32839, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to bond defendants from jail. Contact us today so that we can help you! We are available the entire July 4th holiday and the following days. We bond from the Orange County Jail in Orlando, Florida and the surrounding county jails as well.
