Memorial Day honors the service men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Additionally, the weekend is the unofficial start to summer vacation season, meaning many Americans will take advantage of the three-day weekend by throwing a barbeque or pool party, or even take a road trip.
Many Delaware residents and visitors alike will spend their Memorial Day Weekend at Rehoboth and Dewey Beach. From bars and retail stores to amusement parks and water parks, there is plenty of fun for all ages.
However, Memorial Day Weekend and other holidays are also associated with an increase in crime due to alcohol consumption, strong emotions that lead to fights, and opportunities for theft. To avoid spending your weekend behind bars, you must be aware of the potential crimes that could lead to arrest.
The following are the most common crimes during Memorial Day Weekend:
- DUI – If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least .08 percent after being pulled over by law enforcement, you will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. A first-time DUI conviction in Delaware is punishable by a maximum 12-month jail sentence, fines of up to $1,500, and driver’s license revocation for up to 12 months.
- BUI – Operating a water vessel while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is considered boating under the influence (BUI) in Delaware. A first-time BUI conviction carries a maximum six-month jail term and a fine not exceeding $1,000.
- Underage drinking – While adults consume alcohol during the three-day weekend, so do minors. If a minor is arrested for possession of alcohol, he/she could face serious penalties such as driver’s license revocation for up to 30 days and a $100 fine for a first offense.
- Disorderly conduct – Alcohol consumption can lead to drunken shenanigans such as altercations, fights, and other forms of unruly behavior. Intentionally causing public alarm or inconvenience is known as disorderly conduct, which is an unclassified misdemeanor that can result in jail time and fines.
- Theft – From pickpockets to breaking into unattended homes, there are plenty of opportunities for theft during Memorial Day Weekend. If the value of the stolen property is under $1,500, it is a Class A misdemeanor that can lead to a jail term of up to one year and a maximum $2,300 fine. If the value of the stolen property is at least $1,500, it is a Class G felony that results in a prison sentence of up to two years.
If you have been arrested during Memorial Day Weekend in Dewey or Rehoboth Beach, contact Abram and Hutchison today and schedule a free consultation.