4 Of The Most Common Causes For Arrest And How To Avoid This Happening To You
While the vast majority of us do our utmost to be law-abiding citizens, unfortunately, many people are arrested every day for a variety of reasons.
While some arrests are warranted, others may be the result of an innocent mistake or misunderstanding.
Here are some of the most common causes of arrest and how you can avoid this happening to you.
1. Driving Under The Influence
Starting off our list of common reasons for arrest, we have Driving Under The Influence (DUI). In most cases, people are unaware of the consequences that come with a DUI arrest.
For example, a first-time DUI conviction can result in a fine of up to $2,500, up to 6 months in jail, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 1 year.
It is important to note that the consequences of a DUI conviction can be more severe if the driver was transporting a minor at the time of the arrest or if the driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
In addition, drivers who are convicted of DUI are typically required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.
If you have been arrested for DUI, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as Justin Sparks, as soon as possible.
An attorney can help you understand your rights and may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or represent you in court.
2. Theft
On a daily basis, people are arrested for theft. This can involve shoplifting from a store, stealing a car, or any other form of theft that involves stealing for personal gain.
Theft can be both planned or impulsive, as people can suddenly see a window of opportunity and decide to strike in the spur of the moment. Theft is a serious crime and can result in jail time or fines, especially for repeat offenders.
As with all crimes, theft can cause real issues within families, as the person who committed the crime may have to face the consequences, while their family may also have to deal with the fallout, as well as learn how to trust their family members again.
Consequences can include losing a job, having to pay fines or even going to jail. It’s important for families to be supportive of each other during times like this and to stay together as a unit, no matter how difficult the situation.
3. Drug Abuse Violations
No matter which corner of the world you are in, the chances are that there are areas where law enforcement is regularly called in to deal with individuals committing drug abuse violations.
These can include possession of a controlled substance, sale of a controlled substance, or manufacturing of a controlled substance. In some cases, people may be arrested for having drugs on their person, even if they do not plan to sell or use them.
Law enforcement officials take drug abuse violations seriously. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe and can include jail time, fines, and probation.
In some cases, a criminal record may also be created as a result of a drug arrest, which can have a knock-on effect on a person’s life for a long time following the arrest.
4. Disorderly Conduct
Another example of an offense that can lead to an arrest is disorderly conduct, which is defined as engaging in behavior that “materially and substantially interferes with the peaceful enjoyment of life or property” of others.
While any number of things could qualify as disorderly conduct, some common examples include public intoxication, fighting, verbal abuse, and obscene language or gestures. Disorderly conduct can also be committed online, such as through cyberbullying or making threats.
While an arrest for disorderly conduct may not seem like a major offense, it can still lead to serious consequences.
A conviction for disorderly conduct can result in a fine, jail time, or both. It can also impact your ability to find employment or obtain a firearms license and, in some cases, a disorderly conduct conviction can even lead to deportation.
How To Avoid Being Arrested
If you don’t want to be arrested, then don’t do anything that could get you in trouble with the law. Stay away from illegal activities, and always obey the rules and laws set forth by your local government.
In addition, always be respectful to law enforcement officials, and comply with their orders when they ask you to do something. Remember that they are just doing their job, and they don’t want to see anyone get hurt or arrested.
However, if you do find yourself in trouble with the law, don’t try to run away or resist arrest. It’s only going to make things worse for you in the long run.
Instead, try to stay calm and cooperate with the authorities. Make sure you are aware of your rights and have the appropriate legal support to help you get through the situation, whatever the outcome.
Final thoughts
Every day, people are arrested for a variety of reasons. While the specifics do vary, the overarching trend is that people are being detained and arrested at an alarming rate.
This is particularly troubling given that many of these arrests may be for minor offenses or for things that should not even be considered crimes.
That being said, where a crime is committed, it’s important that those involved are brought to justice so that people can feel safe in the world they live in.