Do Violent Crimes Increase in the Summer in Illinois?

 Posted on June 10, 2024 in Criminal Defense

While the summer months are perfect for spending time outdoors, Illinois tends to experience an increase in violent crimes during the summer months, especially in large cities. Many studies have aimed to pinpoint the correlation between violent crimes and hot weather, with several factors showing that certain crimes are more commonly encountered during the summer.

If you are arrested for a violent crime this summer, it is vital that you contact a skilled Illinois criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights and provide you with legal guidance.

Statistics Show Violent Crimes Increase With Hot Weather

It may come as no surprise that hot weather tends to increase tensions and crime, and studies have shown that the summer months do lead to an overall increase in violent crimes such as robbery, theft, aggravated assault, homicide, and sex crimes.

A few different factors are generally believed to contribute to the increase in violent crimes during the summer, including the following:

• Hot weather – Several studies have made the correlation between hot weather and increased crimes due to the hot weather increasing body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

• Longer days – Longer days mean more social interaction, more people out and about, and an increased chance of conflict.

• Increased alcohol consumption – The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that alcohol is a common factor across a variety of violent crimes.

• More time spent out of the home – The longer people are outside their homes, the higher the chance for burglary or theft to occur.

What Do I Do If I Am Arrested?

If you are arrested for any kind of crime, the first thing to do is reach out to an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney. The sooner you secure legal counsel, the sooner you have knowledgeable guidance about your next steps.

Additionally, you can follow these tips for how to behave when arrested:

• Refrain from making statements in the moment; you have the right to remain silent, and you should use it.

• Exercise your right to a lawyer and ask for one as soon as possible.

• Be compliant with arresting officers and remain calm.

• Provide honest and basic information to law enforcement, such as your name, but do not answer any other questions without your lawyer present.

After being arrested, you may also want to contact a close friend or a family member to inform them of the situation. Again, you should refrain from going into detail or saying anything other than basic facts. Your friend or family member may be able to provide you with additional support and help you secure a lawyer.

Contact a Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Dealing with an arrest for a crime during the summer can be challenging, and it is important to reach out to a DuPage County, IL criminal defense lawyer quickly after an arrest. Your lawyer can help build a case for your defense and ensure your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.

Attorney Patricia Magaña has extensive experience with criminal defense, and she will work tirelessly to provide you with knowledgeable and skilled representation. Call Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC at 630-448-2001 for a free consultation. Hablamos español.