Did you know that, if you live in Florida, your chances of being the victim of a violent crime are approximately 1 in 258? It’s true no matter where you live: we have to stay alert and on the defensive to keep out of harm’s way. But for all the beauty and sun Florida has to offer, it’s always possible for crime to creep up around any corner.
Perhaps you are a concerned Floridian that wants to keep on the lookout and protect yourself. Florida is safe, but she still has her fair share of crimes. These are the most common Florida crimes that police and judges deal with on a daily basis.
1. Drug Offenses: The Most Common of Florida Crimes
According to the FBI, drug offenses account for the highest share of arrests throughout the state of Florida. The spread of the United States’ opioid epidemic has proved a large contributor toward drug possession and abuse being among Florida’s most common crimes.
If you or someone you know is one of the many Floridians that have been arrested on drug charges, be sure to consider online resources like Bail 2 Go (https://bail2go.com/) for safe and timely bail management.
2. Larceny
Whether by force or via breaking and entering, larceny and theft certainly occur at a higher rate in Florida than in most states.
The two most frequent ways in which theft occurs are burglary, in which someone enters a premise without lawful permission and steals, and robbery, in which someone takes property by force.
3. Assault
Florida’s rate of violent crimes such as assault ranks decidedly average compared to that of other states.
Assault can come in many forms, from domestic violence to aggravated assault involving a weapon, making it a catch-all moniker for many of Florida’s violent crimes.
An aggravated assault can mean a legal penalty of up to five years in prison.
4. DUI
Driving under the influence took the lives of nearly eight hundred Floridians in 2021.
As far as DUI charges go, there are many different charges with multiple degrees of severity. These range from driving with a blood alcohol content above 0.08% to driving impaired with a minor in the vehicle to impaired driving resulting in property damage or manslaughter.
5. Motor Vehicle Theft
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, motor vehicle theft rose to become the fifth most common crime in Florida. Car thefts most frequently occur via break-in or armed carjacking.
Even attempting to steal a vehicle is a property crime that can carry a severe legal penalty.
Keep Safe and in the Know
Knowing what Florida crimes to watch out for is essential knowledge for staying alert and safe. However, crime in your area is far from the only thing of which its important to stay wary. Staying informed will keep you all the more prepared to protect yourself and others.
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