Extreme Pranks Can Squash Your Halloween Fun

 Posted on October 13, 2022 in Criminal Law

Mischievous teens tend to come out during festivities leading up to Halloween. Make sure that you do not take those Halloween tricks so far that your actions haunt you for years to come.

Anything from blasting music to threatening violence could lead to serious charges of disorderly conduct. Worse yet, feeding into the frenzy over rainbow fentanyl could leave you facing drug charges.  No trick is worth winding up with a misdemeanor or felony on your record.

Rainbow Fentanyl

This Halloween the distribution of rainbow fentanyl poses a big danger to kids. Do not be one of those persons who try to pass off the brightly colored pills laced with fentanyl as candy. One pill or just a small amount of powder can poison or kill someone. It is currently the deadliest drug in the nation that is killing more than 150 people each day.

Other Pranks That Have Legal Consequences 

Here are the top 5 reasons why teenagers end up behind bars during Halloween:

• Vandalism – Teens often get wrapped up in the enthusiasm leading up to the big holiday and pull pranks that have legal consequences such as throwing toilet paper at someone’s house, egging people, or smashing pumpkins. Under Illinois law, this could be considered criminal damage to property or vandalism.

• Shoplifting – Stealing candy from stores or shoplifting could lead to a Class 3 felony offense if items are valued at $300 or more, punishable with up to five years in prison. People who steal from one or more businesses could be found guilty of a Class 2 felony.

• Threatening Violence in Costume – There have been cases in which teens wearing costumes have threatened violence against other teens. This could be considered assault. 

• Alcohol – Halloween parties may involve drinking alcohol. Being intoxicated in public and or drinking if you are under 21 is against the law in Illinois. 

• Sex Crimes – Alcohol or drugs can easily lead to more illegal behavior and in some cases criminal sexual assault.

Contact an Arlington Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer

During this crime prevention month, it might be worth remembering that no trick is worth it. You could end up with a permanent criminal record. Disorderly conduct punishes people for disturbing the peace, invading privacy, and causing annoyance. It is usually a criminal offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. 

• Disorderly Charge or Conviction leads to a fine of up to $10,000 and possible prison time 

• Misdemeanor charges range from 30 days in jail up to 1 year. Fines could be anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. 

•  Felony disorderly conduct charges could lead to 1 to 5 years behind bars and larger fines. 

An attorney can defend you against criminal charges, try to negotiate a reduced punishment, or pursue a more favorable plea agreement depending on the situation.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Lawyer

If your teenager’s pranks have gotten him or her in trouble with the law contact our Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney. At Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, our skilled attorney knows that is important to take decisive legal action to protect your child’s future. Call 847-253-3400 for a free consultation to review your options.

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=73600000&SeqEnd=74600000 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K21-1

 https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+16%2C+Subdiv%2E+10&ActID=1876&ChapterID=0&SeqStart=39600000&SeqEnd=40100000

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K11-1.50 

https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=023500050K6-16 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K11-0.1