People from all over the U.S. flock to Florida during spring break, whether they are coming to visit theme parks in Orlando or any of the beautiful beaches. Being on vacation is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but the trip can take an unfortunate turn if you are arrested.
Police across parts of Florida often ramp up enforcement efforts and patrols in the weeks when tourist numbers increase due to spring break. This means that if you make a bad decision or mistake in the coming weeks, then there is a higher chance that you could be caught and charged with a crime.
There is a tendency for people to act out, lower their inhibitions and experiment with risky behavior when they are on vacation. This can be particularly true for young high school or college students who are away from their families and any adult supervision.
However, tourists of any age can wind up facing some serious penalties if they are accused of breaking the law. Some of the more common reasons why tourists are arrested in Florida during spring break include:
- Drunk driving
- Public intoxication
- Underage drinking
- Drug possession or distribution
- Assault
- Theft
- Criminal mischief
State laws governing criminal offenses like these vary between states, but a criminal conviction in Florida can follow you back home and affect your school, job and relationships. And just because you leave Florida doesn’t mean the offense just goes away. In fact, you may not even be able to leave Florida if you are required to stay until your case is resolved.
With all this in mind, we urge readers who have been arrested while visiting Florida to secure legal representation. With the help of an attorney in the state, you can defend yourself and minimize the impact a criminal allegation may have on your life.