Halloween Pranks That Will Get You Arrested
Halloween is a time for candy and costumes but it's also a time for pranks which unfortunately can lead to people getting arrested.
Some Halloween pranks are all in good fun but too many of the popular ones involve breaking the law. Like other major holidays, police are out making sure that everyone is safe which means you're more likely to get caught.
Not knowing the law is never an excuse when it comes to crime so here's a quick refresher on what not to do this Halloween.
- Vandalism. Halloween pranks get a bad rap because of things like egging or toilet papering homes, graffiti on buildings, digging up plants, and smashing pumpkins. All of those activities are considered vandalism and can land you in jail for a night instead of eating candy.
- Scaring people. It's not Halloween if it's not scary, but be smart about who you sneak up on. Actually intimidating people or getting physical can look more like a threat than a joke. You can be arrested for assault and battery even if you didn't intend to actually make someone feel unsafe enough to call the police. Keep the scaring to people you know will take it well just to be on the safe side.
- Underage drinking. While technically not a prank, underage drinking is something that happens on Halloween and it is still illegal. Keep alcoholic drinks away from people who aren't old enough to have them if you want to avoid spending a night with the cops instead of at the Halloween party.
Just because you're staying on the right side of the law doesn't mean Halloween has to be a drag. Check out a haunted house, trick kids into thinking you ran out of candy, or go to a costume party to celebrate the holiday.
Or have a scary-movie watching marathon and eat too much candy. Whatever it takes to have fun without breaking the law.
Related Resources:
- Halloween Safety Tips (FindLaw's Common Law)
- Halloween Laws: Keep Your Halloween Party Legal (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Halloween 101: Halloween DUI Checkpoints Planned (FindLaw's Blotter)
