Black Friday may kick off the holiday season, but for some, it ends in handcuffs. The combination of crowds, pressure, and early-morning chaos can turn retail stores into battlegrounds—and what starts as a scramble for a deal sometimes escalates into violence.
For individuals navigating divorce, custody disputes, or family court oversight, a single bad decision during Black Friday can have consequences far beyond a criminal record.
Yes, People Do Get Arrested on Black Friday
Black Friday has a history of crowd-related injuries and altercations, with some leading to criminal charges. Common incidents include:
- Shoving, punching, or physical altercations over merchandise
- Assaults on store employees who try to enforce rules
- Fights in parking lots over spaces or spots in line
- Theft-related altercations that escalate when someone is caught or confronted
In Colorado, any of these can lead to charges such as third-degree assault (CRS § 18-3-204), disorderly conduct, or harassment—especially when done in public or in front of children.
How a Black Friday Arrest Can Affect Family Court
If you’re involved in a custody battle or have an active parenting plan, a single criminal charge—even a misdemeanor—can create serious ripple effects:
- Protection orders may be issued automatically in cases involving physical violence
- Parenting time may be restricted if the incident raises concerns about anger management or decision-making
- Supervised visitation may be considered if children were present or indirectly affected
- Modifications to existing parenting plans may be requested under CRS § 14-10-129 if the incident reflects poorly on parental judgment
Family courts in Colorado are guided by the best interests of the child standard (CRS § 14-10-124). Evidence of recent violence—no matter the context—can be raised as a concern.
Real Examples from Black Fridays Past
Here are just a few high-profile cases that illustrate how serious these incidents can be:
- In 2011, a woman in California pepper-sprayed other shoppers during a Black Friday rush at Walmart. She faced potential assault charges.
- In 2016, a shooting outside a New Jersey mall on Black Friday left one man dead. It was reportedly connected to a parking lot dispute.
- In Colorado and across the U.S., multiple fights and brawls are reported each year at major retailers, often caught on video.
These may seem extreme—but even minor pushing or yelling in a store can lead to charges when tensions are high and witnesses are everywhere.
Alcohol, Stress, and Bad Timing
Black Friday often follows a long Thanksgiving Day—sometimes with alcohol, family conflict, or little sleep in the mix. Add the stress of crowds and time-sensitive deals, and it’s a recipe for poor decision-making.
Courts and prosecutors don’t excuse bad behavior just because it happened during a sale. And when family court is involved, poor impulse control under pressure becomes a serious concern.
How Boal Law Can Help
At Boal Law, we understand that criminal charges don’t exist in a vacuum—especially when you’re also dealing with a divorce, custody matter, or protection order. We:
- Defend assault and harassment charges stemming from public altercations
- Manage parallel proceedings in criminal and family court
- Help protect parenting rights when charges threaten custody or visitation
- Fight to keep minor holiday incidents from becoming major legal crises
Don’t Let One Morning Define Your Family Future
A Black Friday mistake shouldn’t unravel your parenting rights or your legal standing. If you’ve been charged—or fear that a situation might escalate—contact Boal Law. We can help you protect your freedom, your family relationships, and your holiday peace of mind.