Halloween should be all about enjoying costumes, watching scary movies, carving pumpkins, and collecting candy. For some people, though, the night can take a turn for the worse if things get out of hand. Every year, many people find themselves facing criminal charges on Halloween for certain offenses.
It’s essential to understand the most common criminal charges and how these situations typically arise for defendants. Five of the most common crimes people are arrested for on Halloween are listed below.
1. DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Impaired)
Halloween can lead to people driving under the influence more than usual. Many adults go out to bars, parties, or neighborhood gatherings involving alcohol. Police often increase patrols during this time, looking for drivers who appear to be impaired.
Maryland takes these offenses very seriously. Anyone caught can face fines that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. A conviction could lead to losing your license, mandatory classes, and jail time, especially if someone gets hurt or this isn’t your first DUI.
If you are stopped and suspected of being under the influence, police may ask you to perform field tests or take a breathalyzer. Refusing chemical testing can result in additional penalties down the road.
2. Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication
The energy of Halloween adds to public disturbance. Crowds gather, laughter gets loud, and sometimes these nights turn rowdy with shoving, drunk walking, or yelling in neighborhoods that are otherwise quiet.
Disorderly conduct laws cover loud disputes, blocking sidewalks or public areas, or starting fights. Though these charges are misdemeanors, they show up on your record and can still lead to jail time.
On busy nights like Halloween, simple misunderstandings or minor arguments can quickly escalate, so it’s helpful to steer clear of confrontations and loud groups.
3. Vandalism
Halloween pranks don’t always stay harmless. Smashing pumpkins, damaging lawn displays, or spray-painting someone else’s property often crosses the line from harmless fun into criminal activity.
Some people toilet-paper houses or throw eggs, which can cause real, sometimes costly, damage. Penalties depend on the amount of damage done, with harsher fines typically applied when the value exceeds $1,000.
Even small acts of vandalism can cost more than people realize in terms of repairs or cleanup. If you’re tempted to join in, know that you could jeopardize your future and your reputation.
4. Theft and Trespassing
Problems can arise when people steal Halloween decorations or wander onto private property. Maryland labels theft according to the value of the item taken. If it is valuable, you could face felony charges and serious prison time.
Trespassing on someone else’s property can happen by accident on Halloween—these cases shouldn’t result in criminal charges. However, if you enter past “No Trespassing” signs or break into a building, you’re looking at serious charges and penalties.
5. Assault
Arguments or fights sometimes occur during the Halloween chaos, and this is where assault charges begin to appear. Maryland law takes both physical injuries and threats very seriously.
Assault comes in various degrees. 2nd-degree assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but it still carries jail or prison time. First-degree assault is a felony that could lead to up to 25 years in prison. Being charged can affect jobs, housing, and life far beyond a “fun” night out.
Contact Our Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been arrested for any Halloween-related crime, you need professional advice. Talking to a lawyer right away can help you understand what you’re up against and figure out your options. For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771