The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, celebration, and connection with friends and family. Unfortunately, mistakes can also lead to criminal charges.
Whether it’s a DUI after a holiday party or a misunderstanding during a family dispute, getting charged with a crime during the holiday season is not on your to-do list.
If you or a loved one is facing any legal entanglements during the holidays, there are a few steps to take. Here is what to do after a criminal charge during the holiday season.
Focus on Your Next Steps
Once a charge is filed, your mind may go straight to worst-case scenarios. But panicking doesn’t help your defense. You need to be strategic.
After a charge, your priority should be:
- Staying organized
- Keeping track of deadlines
- Understanding the process
- Getting reliable legal guidance
The holidays bring enough stress on their own. Steady, level-headed action is your best starting point.
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Holiday charges tend to move fast. This is due to tight court schedules and a more active law enforcement presence. If you wait until January to get help, that can hurt your case.
The holidays can make the legal process feel chaotic, but your Nashville criminal defense lawyer becomes your anchor. The faster you get someone skilled in your corner, the more control you regain over an otherwise overwhelming situation.
Review All Documents You Received
After a charge, you will get paperwork. This may include:
- A citation or arrest report
- Court date information
- Conditions of release or bond
- Possible restrictions, such as no alcohol, driving, or contact with certain people
While you might want to deal with it after Christmas, that increases the chance of missed court dates or accidental violations. Read everything. If you don’t understand something, make sure to note that during your consultation with your attorney.
Understand the Charge
A criminal charge carries specific penalties. Unfortunately, those penalties vary widely depending on the offense. During the holidays, people are commonly charged with:
- DUI
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct
- Domestic-related offenses
- Assault
- Shoplifting
- Weapon charges
You want to ask your lawyer to break down the charge. Make sure to ask about:
- The potential penalties
- Possible jail time
- How it could affect your license, job, or professional license
The better you understand the reality of the situation, the more empowered you are to make smart decisions in your case.
Follow All Release Conditions
After a charge, the judge may give you conditions you must follow to stay out of custody. During the holidays, it’s easy to accidentally violate a rule.
Common conditions include:
- No alcohol
- No contact with certain individuals
- No weapons
- Mandatory check-ins or testing
- No new charges
A single misstep can land you back in jail or damage your case. If a condition conflicts with holiday plans, such as a no-travel restriction, talk to your lawyer. Sometimes modifications are possible, but only before you break the rule.
Gather Your Evidence
After you’ve been charged, the clock starts ticking on building your defense. You want to start collecting anything that might help, such as:
- Photos or videos
- Receipts
- Witness names
- Messages or call logs
- Medical records
- Timeline notes while the incident is still fresh
With help from your attorney, you can decide what is useful and needs to be preserved.
Stay Prepared for Any Criminal Charges During the Holidays
So, what to do after a criminal charge during the holiday season? This can disrupt your plans, your peace of mind, and your future. But you are not powerless. By taking the right steps after the charge, you give yourself the best chance of leaving this chapter behind.
If you’re facing a holiday-season charge, Erik Herbert Law is here to help. We can assist you through the process with clarity, strategy, and support. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your options.
