Crime Rates Down In Milwaukee
Despite some people within the communities arguing to the contrary, recent reports state crime in the city has seen a fairly significant decrease in the past year. Violent crime, in particular, is reportedly down 40.2% from last year at this time. According to the Journal Sentinel, this is the 9th consecutive quarter that the city has seen a drop in overall crime.
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There are certain crimes that departments across the nation track for use in the federal Uniform Crime Report. The UCR, developed by the FBI, tracks Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft, Auto theft, and Arson. When compared with the rates for this time in 2007 those 8 crimes have dropped 26.7%.
Like the report states, however, what causes the drop can be difficult to pinpoint. The falling numbers also contradict the commonly held belief that a poor economy causes a jump in crime rates.
People within the community have criticized police response time and state that more attention has been focused on arrests rather than clearing cases. Officials, however, argue that their clearance rates are at all time highs as well.
Among the possible reasons for the drop in crime is increased police presence in high crime neighborhoods. The term deterrence is used to describe a potential criminal’s reluctance to commit crime for fear of getting caught.
How these falling crime rates affect those people currently facing charges can vary. However, despite the drop, courtrooms are still crowded and prosecutors are still willing to make deals. Plea bargains remain continue to be the resolution for most criminal cases.
A plea agreement can result in a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence. Things like your criminal history and the circumstances of your crime all dictate the likelihood that you will be offered a favorable plea agreement. Your defense attorney can help you weigh any bargains offered by the prosecution to determine if they are worth your while.
When facing criminal charges, whether crime rates are up or down, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. I can help you with your theft, drug, or assault charges but need to hear from you first. Contact me today for a consultation on your case.