Jacksonville Increases Police Enforcement During Holiday Season

January 09, 2013

Jacksonville increases police enforcement during holiday season

The Jacksonville police force, as it does every year, increased enforcement during the holiday season, especially at local malls and shopping areas. Jacksonville police will be out both in uniform and in plain clothes. The idea is to cut down both on shoplifting and theft crimes, but also to keep shoppers safe from assault and robbery.

Police will be working overtime through New Year's, and regular patrols will continue beyond that. Lt. Mike Capps told local news station WITN that the extra patrols are effective, saying "We have a few [crimes] here and there, mainly shoplifters, but it really keeps calls down when we have people out here patrolling the parking lots and the businesses."

The holiday season can be stressful, especially for people struggling to afford to buy gifts. There is often a spike in crimes during the holiday season. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation noted that every year approximately 400,000 burglaries occur between November and December. The FBI has also warned of a likely increase in cyber crime during the holiday season, such as credit card fraud.

In addition to shoplifting charges, the holiday season also prompts a spike in driving under the influence arrests. Florida police often use checkpoints around this time of year in order to prevent drunk driving. On holidays, especially New Year's Eve, it is imperative to use a sober driver or use other safe ways to get home to avoid these potentially devastating charges. Police are always on the lookout for drivers under the influence, but never more so than during the holiday season.

Potential penalties

Florida judges use sentencing guidelines when deciding the penalties for theft, burglary and DUI. How much in jail time and fines a person is subject to depends on the circumstances of the arrest. For example, using a weapon during a burglary and having a prior arrest record may make a conviction a third degree felony, with maximum sentencing of five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The penalties for a first-time DUI are obviously less severe. Still, a person convicted of a DUI is subject to fines, possible jail time and license revocation. If someone was injured or killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the driver may face potential felony charges.

An attorney can help

Jacksonville criminal defense attorneys hope the holidays are safe and without incident for all residents. However, if you have been arrested for any of the above charges, you should contact a skilled Jacksonville criminal defense attorney to defend your rights -- the potential consequences are too serious to not defend yourself to the utmost.

Article provided by Law Office of Casey Bryant, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.bryantlegal.com