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Shifts in crime and citations across Pennsylvania

On Behalf of | May 6, 2020 | Criminal Defense

Current stay-at-home orders have meant that most Pennsvylanians have been at home, battling boredom and attempting to adjust to a new normal. This unprecedented situation has undoubtedly taken a toll on residents, and it has affected people’s behaviors and decisions.

For instance, recent reports note that certain types of crime have dropped dramatically, while others have become more common.

Alcohol-related offenses

Reports show that drunk driving arrests and alcohol-related crashes have dropped dramatically in recent weeks.

However, there has been an increase in people bringing alcohol across state lines, which is prohibited. As this New York Times article explains, many Pennsylvanians are driving to liquor stores in other states due to the closure of state-owned liquor stores in this state.

Doing this can put a person at risk of being stopped by police and cited with transporting alcohol across state lines. Though, only one such citation has been issued so far.

Assault offenses

Fewer people are out of the house, which means that there may be fewer people getting into physical altercations or engaging in sexual assault. This could be particularly true for college students and teens who are no longer in school and confined to their parents’ homes.

That said, some statistics show an increase in domestic assault calls. In one Pennsylvania county, authorities reported a 9 percent rise in incidents.

A shift in crimes, not consequences

People are struggling with job loss, strained relationships, stress, and anxiety that many have never felt before. That said, law enforcement agencies are still enforcing laws. And though the nature of their arrests may have changed, the fact is that people still face the same consequences for misdemeanors and felonies.

Facing a criminal allegation at any time can be upsetting and scary; facing one in these unusual times can be particularly unsettling. However, the same legal protections apply, from the right to speak with an attorney to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Should you have any questions or concerns about criminal charges you may be facing, you can call the attorneys at Quinn Law Firm and 814-806-2518 for a free initial consultation.

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