Holiday Risks: Common Criminal Charges During Festive Gatherings and How to Avoid Them

The holidays bring joy, gatherings, and festive cheer, but they also bring heightened legal risks. Whether it's an office party, family get-together, or a night out with friends, the mix of alcohol, emotional tensions, and reduced vigilance often results in arrests and legal issues. At Schneider Law Firm, our team focuses on both criminal defense and family law consequences of holiday incidents, so we see how quickly a festive event can turn into legal trouble.

Typical Holiday-Related Charges We Handle

Because the firm handles both criminal and family law matters, these are some of the common charges and situations that show up during the holidays:

• Drunk driving (DWI / DUI): Driving after drinking is one of the leading arrests during the holiday season. A DWI not only triggers criminal consequences, but can also impact family law matters (custody, visitation, support) if children are involved.
• Assault / domestic incidents: Family gatherings may stir old conflicts. An argument can escalate — the accused might face assault or domestic violence charges, and a protective order might be sought immediately, affecting both criminal exposure and family rights.
• Theft Crimes: Busy holiday shopping and crowded events can lead to impulse actions that result in theft or disorderly conduct charges, which then may affect employment, housing, or family-law standing.
• Juvenile issues: If minors are involved in holiday gatherings, actions such as underage drinking, vandalism, or other misconduct could lead to juvenile criminal defense matters — matters that also carry over into family-law domains (dependency, custody).

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family This Season

Since Schneider Law Firm covers both aspects of criminal defense and family law, here are tips that help you stay safe in both areas:

• Plan your transportation: If alcohol is involved, have a designated sober driver or use rideshare. Preventing a DWI means protecting your criminal record and your family law position (especially if children are involved).
• Manage family tensions: At family gatherings, disagreements happen. If you feel a conflict escalating, step back. A single incident can trigger a protective order or assault charge — opening both criminal and family law fronts.
• Respect boundaries and children’s presence: If children are in the mix, ensure you act responsibly. Criminal conduct in their presence (or involving them) can complicate custody and support issues down the road.
• Be aware of the consequences beyond the arrest: A criminal charge isn’t just about jail or fines; it can affect your parental rights, your home environment, your reputation, and your future divorce or custody case. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better.
• If you or your loved one is already under investigation or arrested: Don’t wait. Contact a firm experienced in both criminal and family law. Early intervention helps coordinate a strategy that protects both your freedom and your family relationships.

Why Schneider Law Firm?

Schneider Law Firm has deep experience handling complex cases that cross over between criminal defense and family law. Whether it’s defending against a DWI, assault, or theft charge or dealing with the fallout in a custody or support modification, our team can offer integrated representation. We provide clear guidance tailored to Texas law (including how a criminal matter can affect your family law case) and fight to protect your rights, your record, and your family.

Conclusion

The holidays should be a time of joy, not legal stress. Yet many of the most challenging cases we see start during holiday celebrations. If you find yourself facing a criminal charge or worried about how a festive incident might spill into your family life, contact Schneider Law Firm for a confidential consultation. Don’t let one night decide your future.