The summer season is typically regarded as a fun, exciting time. Families plan vacations, kids enjoy freedom from school, and the cool waters of the Gulf beckon visitors to take a dip. But island getaways and trips to Disneyland aren’t the only things that go up in number during these hot, humid months – crime rates do, too, especially for teens and young adults.
Parts of Houston lack safe environments where youth can spend their free time.
When the Temperatures Rise, So Do Crime Rates
July is considered the high point of the year for crime rates in Texas, and there are quite a few factors that affect this statistic. For example, higher temperatures tend to cause increased aggression among the population; in other words, everyone gets angry from being so hot. This literal hot-headed behavior can cause confrontations to become more violent than they normally would.
Additionally, since the summer season is a popular time for vacations, this leaves a lot of homes unattended, whether you’ve gone out of state or down the block to swim in a neighbor’s pool. Empty houses make alluring targets for burglars, and the number of potential perps on the street greatly increases thanks to one major factor: no school.
When school’s out for the summer, many neighborhoods lack safe places where teens and young adults can spend time, such as rec centers. On top of that, several locations prohibit loitering, and many businesses frown upon the idea of teens crowding their spaces. No one likes to be told they’re not welcome, which can inspire resentment in youth.
You may think that encouraging kids to stay home is a viable solution, but unfortunately, it’s not. Most youth who end up committing crimes come from unsafe or unstable home environments. From enduring abuse to living with parents who possess criminal records, there are several factors that can drive a juvenile to have a run-in with the law.
When a Juvenile is Arrested
Any child or teen within the age range of 10 to 17 years old is considered a juvenile. The minimum charge for juvenile crime is a Class C misdemeanor, but many cases escalate beyond that. The most common juvenile offenses during the summer include:
- DUIs and DWIs
- Drug possession
- Sexual assault
- Traffic offenses
- Theft or shoplifting
- Property crimes (including vandalism and graffiti)
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Should a juvenile get arrested, they’ll be taken to a processing office, and their parents will be notified of the incident. Within 48 hours of arrest, the minor will attend a detention hearing in which the judge will decide whether to release or detain the youth until their next court appearance.
There are plenty of reasons why a youth could be detained, such as a record of prior offenses, a lack of suitable parental protection or care back at home, or being considered a danger to themselves or others. In severe cases, youth can be subjected to the adult penal system, potentially facing jail time.
If you have a loved one, juvenile or not, that’s been arrested, don’t hesitate to contact ASAP Bail Bonds. We offer our bail bond services to anyone who needs them, including minors. Give us a call to learn what actions you should take next.