What Happens if You’re Arrested During the Thanksgiving Holiday

The number of arrests in New Jersey tends to increase around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. This is due to the increase in celebrations, and certain bar nights, which often involve drinking.

Read more: Defending Juvenile Criminal Mischief Charges

Common Reasons for Arrests During Thanksgiving

These are a few of the most common reasons for arrests during Thanksgiving:

• Drinking and driving
• Bar fights
• Domestic disputes
• Possession of drugs

The holidays bring families together with celebrations that may include drinking and driving. The increase in families mingling together can also increase disputes among family members. These factors all lead to an increase in people being arrested.

What to Expect Following a Thanksgiving Arrest

An arrest during Thanksgiving can look slightly different than a traditional arrest, including:

• The arrest: During the arrest, you may be handcuffed and put into the back of the police car. Once you arrive at the police station, you will be booked, which includes fingerprinting and capturing your photograph. The department will also confiscate your belongings.
• Release: Some people may be lucky enough to be released, in return for you being summoned to return for a court date.
• Jail: Other people will be required to spend time in jail. While laws dictate that you must see a judge within 24 hours, this does not include weekends or holidays. This means that you could spend a few days in jail.
• Ruling: During your first appearance with the judge, you may be released with additional hearing requirements, or you may be ordered to stay detained for up to another three days, until a detention hearing is scheduled. Again, this does not include weekends or holidays.

Read more: Arrest, Booking and Bail

Many factors go into whether or not you are held, or detained for a longer period of time. For example, if you have previous criminal charges, you are less likely to be released. Fortunately, you are allowed to reach out to a lawyer during this time. A lawyer can be beneficial in not only understanding what to expect, but also knowing what your options are. You can even request a lawyer to visit you in jail, so you can get the process begun as soon as possible.

In fact, it is important to work with a criminal defense lawyer to determine your legal options. Additionally, a criminal defense lawyer can increase your chances of being released, while you await your trial date. Your lawyer may be able to help you get out of jail, even over the weekend, so you can enjoy the holiday weekend.

Discuss Your Case With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Once you are released from jail, it is time to begin dealing with the potential legal charges against you. A lawyer can help you build a defense against your DUI, or drug possession charges, hopefully avoiding jail time. But it is important that you discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The court dates will quickly follow your arrest, meaning you will need to begin preparing for them immediately.

Contact an Experienced Mount Laurel Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. Criminal defense lawyer Michele Finizio has successfully represented clients in Evesham Township, Mount Laurel, Willingboro, Pemberton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 230-0374 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 9 E. Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057, as well as an office located in Cherry Hill, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.