Common New Year’s Eve Crimes
As people across the country gather to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, festivities meant to be joyful can sometimes escalate into dangerous or unlawful behavior. Late-night parties, alcohol consumption, and large crowds often create conditions where poor decisions are made.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day consistently bring a noticeable increase in criminal activity, with law enforcement agencies reporting a spike in arrests and citations related to alcohol-related offenses, disorderly conduct, and other violations.
Understanding the most common New Year’s Eve crimes can help individuals stay safe and avoid legal trouble during the holiday.
Why Does Criminal Activity Increase on New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve creates a perfect storm that may lead to increased arrests and criminal charges. Police departments across the country ramp up patrols and DUI checkpoints in anticipation of increased crime.
Criminal offenses typically increase around this time due to the following factors:
1. Increased Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a major factor in most New Year’s Eve-related arrests. People often drink more than they intend since many individuals stay up later to ring in the new year. Increased alcohol consumption can impair judgment, reduce caution, and increase aggression.
2. Large Gatherings
Crowded venues and the use of fireworks can also contribute to crimes. Many arrests stem from gatherings that escalate quickly, with alcohol or drugs acting as a catalyst.
Most Common Crimes on New Year’s Eve
Any crime can happen on New Year’s Eve.
However, the most common include the following:
1. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is the most common offense committed on New Year’s Eve. Arizona law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Penalties can include jail time, fines, and license suspension, among other things.
Police often set up DUI checkpoints on New Year’s Eve. If you’re arrested for DUI, it’s crucial to contact a defense attorney as soon as possible.
2. Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Many New Year’s celebrations take place in public spaces, including bars, public parks, and other event spaces. Rowdy behavior can lead to charges like disorderly conduct. In Arizona, being intoxicated in public to the point of endangering others or causing a disturbance can result in arrest.
These charges are often based on the personal observations of law enforcement. An experienced attorney can challenge the evidence or argue that your actions didn’t rise to the level of criminal behavior.
3. Assault and Battery
Heated arguments at parties, clubs, or even among friends can lead to physical altercations, especially where alcohol or drugs are involved. Under Arizona law, assault involves threatening physical harm to another individual; battery involves actual unwanted physical contact.
4. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence incidents often spike around the holidays, including New Year’s Eve. Tension, alcohol, and financial and emotional strain can contribute to fights between family members.
If you’re accused of domestic violence, do not violate any protective orders or try to contact the alleged victim. Instead, speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights.
5. Sexual Assault or Misconduct
Alcohol and late-night gatherings can cloud judgment around consent and lead to accusations of sexual battery or other sex crimes. These are some of the most serious charges under Arizona law, carrying the possibility of prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
If you are facing allegations of sexual misconduct, you should seek immediate legal counsel.
6. Gun-Related Offenses
In some areas, it’s become a dangerous tradition to fire guns into the air alongside fireworks. Discharging a firearm in public or in a residential area can lead to felony charges, even if no one is injured.
Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you are arrested on New Year’s Eve, you should take immediate action to protect your rights and future. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence against you and build a strong defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 510-0439