What to Do If You're Arrested Over the Holidays

The holiday season in California is a time for celebration, travel, and spending time with loved ones. But it’s also a period when arrests tend to spike, often due to increased law enforcement patrols, DUI checkpoints, and heightened stress levels. If you or a loved one is arrested during this time, it’s important to understand what to expect—and how to act quickly to protect your rights and secure release as soon as possible.

Why Arrests Increase During the Holidays

Several factors contribute to the rise in arrests over the holidays in California, including:

Increased DUI checkpoints: Law enforcement agencies ramp up sobriety checks during the holidays, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Domestic disputes: Emotional tensions can run high during family gatherings, leading to an increase in domestic-related arrests.
Theft and shoplifting: Busy retail environments and financial pressure may result in more theft-related offenses.
Travel violations: Speeding, reckless driving, and road rage are more common during holiday travel.

What Happens Immediately After an Arrest?

If someone is arrested over the holidays in California, the process is largely the same as during other times of the year, but with some unique challenges due to limited court operations and staff availability.

Booking: After the arrest, the individual will be taken to a local jail or detention facility. They’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the system.
Charges filed: Law enforcement will prepare a report for the District Attorney to review and determine the charges.
Bail set: If the offense is eligible for bail, the amount will be based on the county’s bail schedule or set by a judge.

However, during the holidays, there may be delays in processing, limited court availability, and fewer staff at jails, which can slow things down. That’s why working with a reliable bail bond company is critical during this time.

The Impact of Holiday Closures on Bail and Court Proceedings

Court closures can significantly delay hearings, arraignments, and bail reviews. In California, courts are typically closed on state holidays, which can mean waiting longer in custody unless bail is posted quickly. Some counties may operate with reduced hours or staff even on non-holiday weekdays around Christmas and New Year’s.

This makes it even more important to act fast. A licensed bail bond agent can help secure release even when court and jail systems are running on holiday schedules.

How a Bail Bond Company Can Help

When someone is arrested, getting them out of jail quickly is always the priority. But over the holidays, that urgency becomes even more critical. Bail bond companies like Bright Bail Bonds provide 24/7 support—even on major holidays—to help secure your loved one’s release.

Here’s how a bail bond service can assist:

Fast response: Licensed agents are available around the clock to post bail quickly, even during court and jail closures.
Affordable options: Instead of paying the full bail amount, you’ll typically pay a percentage (usually 10%) as a premium.
Guidance: An experienced bail agent can walk you through the process, help gather information, and coordinate with the jail efficiently.

What You Should Do If You’re Arrested Over the Holidays

If you or someone you care about is arrested during the holiday season in California, take the following steps immediately:

Remain calm: Arguing or resisting can escalate the situation and lead to additional charges.
Exercise your rights: Politely request an attorney and do not answer questions without legal representation.
Contact a bail bondsman: Time is of the essence. Reaching out to a licensed bail agent can expedite the release process, even on holidays.

Don’t Let the Holidays Become a Legal Nightmare

An arrest during the holidays can be especially stressful, but with the right support, you can navigate the process efficiently. Whether the charges involve DUI, domestic disputes, theft, or another offense, acting fast is the best way to protect your rights and return home to your family.

At Bright Bail Bonds, we understand the urgency and emotional toll of a holiday arrest. Our experienced agents are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to provide fast, affordable, and discreet bail bond services throughout California.