Memorial Day is a great time to remember all those who gave the ultimate price to protect our freedom, but the extra day off also leads to an uptick in crime. Today, we take a look at five common crimes committed over the Memorial Day weekend.
1. DUI – As is the case for most holiday weekends, drunk driving crimes spike during the long weekend. Good company and the extra time off are a great recipe, and you can even celebrate the occasion with some cocktails, but too many people drive home after a night of revelry. Last year, more than 420 Minnesotans were arrested for DUI during the Memorial Day holiday.
2. BWI – Boating While Intoxicated is another common problem over the Memorial Day holiday. Some boat drivers feel untouchable behind the wheel because they think they’ll be able to spot a sheriff or warden from far away, but many boat officers use binoculars to capture incriminating evidence before approaching boaters. Always ride with a sober boat driver.
3. Speeding – Because police know that drunk drivers are out and about during the holiday weekend, departments staff more officers to patrol the highways. They may be looking for swerving drivers, but if they catch you going 15 mph over the speed limit, you’ll likely end up seeing the cherries in your rearview mirror.
4. Disorderly Conduct – Even if you make the wise decision not to drive after a night of drinking, you’re not in the clear yet. Drunken shenanigans can lead to fights, altercations or a slew of unwise decisions. A lot of people end up cited for disorderly conduct around bar time during the three-day weekend.
5. Underage Drinking – College and high school students also like to ring in the holiday, which is fine, so long as do it legally. We always see an uptick in citations for underage drinking and possession of alcohol by a minor in the days after the Memorial Day weekend.
If you’ve been picked up for any of the above violations, or a related incident, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ve handled similar cases before, and we know the best way to fight your case.
