According to a recent discussion in courts across America, many are trying to decide if a curfew could help to reduce crime in the area. Curfew is a controversial idea. Some say that creating a curfew is limiting, or is discriminatory against those of certain ages. Still, authorities argue that by enacting a curfew they will be able to reduce the amount of juvenile crime, as many teens get into trouble in the later hours of the night.
So, do curfews reduce crime?
Statistics show that violent crime typically happens in the later hours of the night and the National Crime Victimization Survey says that two-thirds of all sexual assaults happen after dark. When the light is low, it is easier for individuals to commit serious crimes without the fear of being caught. Minors are less likely to defend themselves when caught in a criminal situation, so they are at an added risk if they are not accompanied by an adult after dark. As a result, cities with curfews claim that they are able to keep minors out of danger and reduce the amount of incidents that will take place.
While conservative groups support the idea of a curfew, there are others that argue on the other side. Some authorities say that establishing a curfew is an unnecessary restriction of freedom, and youth are criminalized by such laws for being outside of their houses in the dark. Some say that punishing a youth for leaving the house after a certain time turns the house into a prison. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that curfew laws do not lead to a reduction in the amount of youth victimized during the night hours. If you want more information about crime reduction or if you have been arrested for a curfew violation and want to fight the charges, then talk to a Dallase criminal defense attorney today!