Keep Thanksgiving about the turkey on your table…

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a time when crime rates increase. According to the FBI, there were 1,214,464 violent crimes reported in the United States in 2019, and 8,975 of them occurred in November¹. That means that on average, there were 299 violent crimes per day in November, which is higher than the annual average of 273 per day¹.

Some of the common crimes that happen during Thanksgiving are domestic violence, drunk driving, theft, and burglary. These crimes can have serious consequences, such as injuries, arrests, fines, jail time, and criminal records. If you or a loved one are accused of committing a crime during the holiday season, you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for your best interests.

How to Enjoy the Holidays and Stay Safe

While we hope that you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, we also want to share some tips on how to prevent and avoid criminal charges during the holidays. Here are some suggestions:

• Plan ahead and keep people updated on your travel plans. If you are going out of town, let someone know where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you are coming back. Ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to watch your home, collect your mail, and take care of your pets. You can also use timers for lights and radios to make it look like someone is home.
• Know your limits and keep alcohol intake down. Alcohol can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making you more likely to get into a fight, a car accident, or a legal trouble. If you drink, do so moderately and responsibly. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Use a designated driver, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service instead. If you host a party, provide non-alcoholic beverages and food for your guests, and stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party ends.
• Watch out for scams and don’t wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Scammers may try to take advantage of your generosity and goodwill during the holidays by posing as charities, online sellers, or lottery winners. Don’t give out your personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or trust. Verify the legitimacy of any organization or offer before you donate or buy anything. Also, be careful about flaunting your valuables or money in public, as this may attract thieves and robbers. Keep your belongings close to you and secure at all times.
• Shop during daylight hours and park in a well-lit area. Shopping malls and stores can be crowded and chaotic during the holidays, making it easier for criminals to target unsuspecting shoppers. To reduce your risk of being robbed, assaulted, or pickpocketed, shop during the day when there are more people and security around. If you have to shop at night, park your car in a well-lit and visible area, and avoid walking alone. Lock your car and hide your purchases in the trunk or under the seat. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and automate your smart lighting. Whether you are at home or away, you should always be alert and vigilant of what is happening around you. Don’t let your guard down or get distracted by your phone, music, or conversation. Pay attention to any signs of danger or trouble, such as strange noises, broken windows, or unfamiliar people. If you feel unsafe or threatened, call 911 or seek help from someone nearby. You can also use smart lighting to deter burglars and intruders by setting them to turn on and off automatically at certain times or when motion is detected.
• Eat healthy and exercise. The holidays can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy foods and drinks, but this can affect your physical and mental health. Eating too much sugar, fat, or salt can cause weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, or soda can cause dehydration, insomnia, anxiety, and other mood disorders. To stay healthy and happy during the holidays, eat balanced meals and snacks that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Drink plenty of water and limit your intake of alcohol and sugary drinks. Exercise regularly to burn calories, boost your immune system, and relieve stress. You can do simple activities like walking, jogging, biking, or dancing, or join a gym, a sports team, or a fitness class.
• Bundle up to stay dry and warm and wash your hands often. The holidays can also bring cold weather, snow, and ice, which can increase your risk of getting sick or injured. To prevent colds, flu, and frostbite, dress warmly and appropriately for the weather. Wear layers of clothing, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. Avoid staying outside for too long or getting wet. If you do get wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to kill germs and bacteria. If you get sick, stay home and rest, drink fluids, and take medicine as needed. See a doctor if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve.

We hope that these tips will help you enjoy the holidays and stay safe. However, if you do find yourself in a legal trouble, don’t hesitate to contact us at Cafferty & Scheidegger. We are your trusted and reliable criminal defense lawyers in Racine, Wisconsin.

At Cafferty & Scheidegger, we have over 30 years of combined experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies. We know how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutors, and present a strong defense in court. We are committed to providing you with personalized attention, honest advice, and aggressive representation. We will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether it is a dismissal, a plea bargain, or a trial verdict.

We understand that facing criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming, especially during the holidays. That is why we offer free consultations, and 24/7 availability. We are here to help you through this difficult time and give you peace of mind. Contact us today at (262) 632-5000 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.

We wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!