Arrested for Domestic Violence on Thanksgiving or Christmas? What You Need to Know

Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are meant to be joyful, comforting, and family-centered. But for many households across California, these celebrations come with elevated stress, travel exhaustion, financial pressure, family tension, and—most commonly—increased alcohol consumption. This combination creates the perfect storm for misunderstandings, arguments, and emotionally charged situations that escalate quickly.

Every year, police departments throughout Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and surrounding Southern California cities report a sharp increase in domestic violence calls during holiday periods. And because California has strict mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence, someone is almost always taken into custody once officers arrive.

If you or a loved one were arrested for domestic violence during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday gathering, it is crucial to understand your rights, the consequences, and how to protect yourself moving forward.

Why Domestic Violence Arrests Spike During Thanksgiving and Christmas

The holiday season magnifies issues that might remain manageable the rest of the year. Several factors make these specific holidays some of the highest-risk days for domestic violence arrests:

1. Alcohol Is Everywhere

Wine at dinner, cocktails at parties, holiday toasts — alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases irritability. Even minor disagreements can escalate into heated arguments, and officers often assume guilt when alcohol is involved.

2. Family Stress and Expectations

Thanksgiving and Christmas place emotional pressure on families:

• Seeing estranged relatives
• Reopening unresolved issues
• High expectations for “perfect holidays”
• Tension from in-law visits

These interactions can lead to emotional reactions that others perceive as threatening or aggressive.

3. Financial and Holiday-Related Stress

Between gift-buying, travel expenses, job stress, and year-end fatigue, financial pressure is one of the biggest triggers for holiday arguments.

4. Mandatory Arrest Policies

In California, if police respond to a domestic disturbance:

• Someone will be arrested if they suspect even minor violence
• Officers do not need visible injuries
• The alleged victim cannot drop the charges
• The prosecution moves forward even without cooperation

This means one heated moment — even if no one was harmed — can result in handcuffs, jail, and a criminal charge.

What Happens After a Holiday Domestic Violence Arrest?

An arrest during Thanksgiving or Christmas typically leads to:

1. Jail and Mandatory Protective Orders

The accused is taken to jail, and the court almost always issues a criminal protective order (CPO), which may prevent:

• Contacting the alleged victim
• Returning to your home
• Seeing your children
• Speaking through text or phone

Many people are shocked to find they cannot return home during the holidays.

2. Formal Charges

Depending on the allegation, you may face charges such as:

• Penal Code 243(e)(1) – Domestic Battery
• Penal Code 273.5 – Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant
• Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats
• Penal Code 136.1 – Witness Intimidation

Holidays bring stricter prosecution efforts because the state views these days as “high-risk.”

3. Immigration Consequences

For non-U.S. citizens, even a misdemeanor domestic violence charge can lead to:

• Deportation
• Denied naturalization
• Inadmissibility issues

This makes fast legal intervention critical.

Common Defenses to Holiday Domestic Violence Cases

At KN Law Firm, we regularly defend clients arrested during holiday gatherings. Many cases involve misunderstandings or exaggerated claims fueled by alcohol and stress. Our defense strategies often include:

1. False or Exaggerated Allegations

Holiday conflicts can turn into false accusations made in anger, panic, or retaliation.

2. Mutual Combat

Both parties may have contributed to the argument or physical altercation — not just one person.

3. Self-Defense

You may have acted solely to protect yourself or a child from harm.

4. No Willful Intent

California requires intentional physical harm for most domestic violence charges. Many incidents are accidental or the result of intoxication.

5. Lack of Evidence

We analyze:

• Bodycam footage
• 911 recordings
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Contradictions in police reports

Weak evidence can lead to a dismissal or reduced charges.

6. Violation of Police Procedures

Holiday arrests are often rushed. Improper procedures, lack of probable cause, or failure to investigate both sides can destroy the prosecution’s case.

What to Do If You Were Arrested on Thanksgiving or Christmas

Take these steps immediately to protect your future:

• Do NOT contact the alleged victim, even if you believe the incident was minor
• Do NOT violate any restraining order
• Remain silent and avoid discussing the case with anyone
• Call a criminal defense attorney immediately
• Gather text messages, photos, and witness names
• Request bodycam footage and police reports early

Acting quickly allows your lawyer to intervene before the prosecutor files charges, which can sometimes prevent a case from ever moving forward.

KN Law Firm: Defending Holiday Domestic Violence Charges in Glendale & Los Angeles

Domestic violence charges during Thanksgiving or Christmas can devastate your family, career, custody rights, and immigration status. But an arrest does not mean you are guilty — and it does not have to define your future.

At KN Law Firm, we provide:

• Aggressive defense representation
• 24/7 availability during holidays
• Free confidential consultations
• Decades of combined experience defending domestic violence cases
• Deep familiarity with Glendale, Los Angeles, and Southern California courts

If your holiday turned into a nightmare, let us help you turn it around.

Call KN Law Firm now at (888) 950-0011 for immediate help.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.