Texas is a booming university state, and school is out for the summer. However, as people rush to soak up the sun in our lovely college town, it’s important to remember that a good time at the local bars and restaurants can go too far and end with a night in an Arlington jail cell. According to studies from USC, violent crimes and temperatures are closely related. The study found that crime increased by 5.7% on days in the high 80s! From getting into drunken summer quarrels at a party to hopping behind the driver’s seat after a few drinks, summer crime rates tend to increase.
Getting arrested may not be on your summertime checklist but is always a possibility. If you want to steer clear of the courts this season, avoid these common crimes that lead the need for an Arlington bail bond.
DUIs
Having a few drinks and calling a ride-share service to get home is usually a fun way to enjoy a summer’s night.
However, drinking up and taking a risk behind the wheel is a deadly choice that can end in a dangerous accident and DUI on your record. You may think that having a couple drinks and driving is okay because “you aren’t a lightweight.” However, according to the Texas blood alcohol concentration limit (BAC), you can’t legally or safely drive with a BAC of 0.08 or more.
While the best approach to a night out is to have a designated driver, remember that it takes one hour to get one standard-sized drink out of your system on average. This may be a safer route, but we say, why risk it for a trip to jail and mark on your record?
Drug Possession
In Texas, drug possession is a serious offense that can lead to arrest, with stringent laws in place to combat drug-related activities.
Possessing controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription medications without a valid prescription can result in criminal charges.
The possession of synthetic drugs like synthetic marijuana (often referred to as K2 or Spice) and synthetic stimulants also constitutes a criminal offense. Additionally, the possession of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, carries severe legal consequences on top of its high risk of overdose and fatality.
Consequences for drug possession can range from misdemeanor charges with fines and probation for smaller quantities to felony charges with lengthy prison sentences for larger amounts or more dangerous substances.
Home Break-Ins
The summer season is famous for weeks-long family vacations away from home. Unfortunately, this also means that the season is notorious for summer crimes like home break-ins, vandalism, and theft. According to studies, there is a burglary ever 13 seconds in the United States. These numbers can increase up to 1% in the summer months.
Remember, illegally entering and damaging someone’s property is an arrestable offense, even if nothing is stolen. So, getting caught in a harmless summer home prank can get you needing a bail bond, fast.
Arrests at a Public Event
Summer concerts and community events draw in large crowds, leading to trouble if you step out of line. These events often have copious amounts of alcohol on hand.
Mixed together, the heat and flowing drinks can lead to altercations or other inappropriate actions that require police intervention.
So, no matter how hot it gets, keep your cool and always think before acting in a public setting.
Public Intoxication
Even if you walk around drunk after a summer party or event, you could be arrested for public intoxication. You don’t have to be holding a drink in public for the law to charge you with this crime.
According to the Texas Penal Code, displaying any lack of normal mental or physical use due to alcohol or drugs can mark you as a target for public intoxication.
From there, you may be tested for a high BAC level and can easily find yourself on the wrong side of a jail cell, sleeping off your night out.
Loud Parties
Summer is the perfect season to throw a party. Noise violations in Texas often lead to a warning or citation from a police officer. However, there are situations where a noisy party results in someone’s arrest.
If police officers arrive and find underage drinking or the use of illegal drugs at the party, someone is going to need a bail bond in the morning.
Remember, if you want to keep your neighborhood extra protected during those hot summer nights, Texas police departments offer a community engagement program that can help you connect with your community through community watch, youth outreach programs, community policing programs, and more!
Domestic Violence
Most summer crime arrests involve drinking and acting out of hand. An unfortunately common example of a summer arrest is domestic violence. Once again, the stress of the heat, combined with alcohol and other catalysts can quickly lead to a domestic argument that becomes violent.
Need Help Out of Jail?
If you’ve been arrested in Arlington, getting a bail bond allows you wait to await your first court hearing from the comfort of your own home. Most summer crimes result in a bail amount, and that’s where our bondsmen step in to help.
Our offices are open 24/7, and we can help cover your bail amount. Contact us to start the bail bond application process.
