Halloween Pranks Gone Wrong: Legal Penalties and Defense Strategies in Florida

Halloween can provide a night of safe fun for all kids eager for a little dress up and candy. It can also be the time for older teens or college-aged students to prank one another, which can occasionally go too far and pass into dangerous territory. When your teen or college student is facing charges for a Halloween prank gone wrong, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate defense attorney immediately.

The team at Fighter Law is known in the Central Florida area for its aggressive and comprehensive criminal defense work and would love to help you and your family out today. No child deserves to have their future, education, and other opportunities ruined because of a prank gone wrong. We can help you review the potential penalties for your child’s case and immediately devise a thorough plan of action to defend their rights. 

What Are the Legal Penalties for a Halloween Prank Gone Wrong? 

Depending on the specifics of the prank, the penalties may vary. Two common examples of Halloween pranks and their potential consequences include:

Egging or “Tee-Peeing”

Egging is a fairly common Halloween prank that involves the throwing of raw eggs at people, houses, cars, and other property. While children or teens may view the activity as a harmless, silly prank, the unfortunate reality is significant, pricey damage and injury can result from this dangerous activity. 

Toilet papering, more commonly known amongst children as “tee-peeing,” is a similar prank where toilet paper is strung across a person’s house, trees, and other property. It’s a seemingly harmless prank that is commonly done during Halloween or between rival high school sporting teams. The idea is that the toilet paper gets wet and becomes impossible to remove. 

However, in the Sunshine State, both of these activities are eligible to be identified as criminal mischief. This is legally defined as the willful and malicious causing of damage to another person’s property, and charges are classified as follows:

• Damage less than $200: 2nd degree misdemeanor
• Damage between $200 and $1000: 1st degree misdemeanor
• Damage of an amount greater than $1000: 3rd degree felony

In Florida, a 3rd degree felony charge can result in a five-year imprisonment, which can cause your teen or college student to miss out on pivotal educational opportunities and workplace experiences. 

Bag Snatching

When a Halloween bag full of candy is snatched out of the hand of a child and not returned, it is referred to as bag snatching. While it is likely the guilty party is just trying to play a game or play a prank, it is unlikely law enforcement officers will view it as anything but a serious crime.

Under Florida law, bag snatching can be charged as petty larceny. This involves the taking of another person’s property that is valued at less than $300. Bag snatching meets these requirements. For first-time offenders, you run the possible punishment of up to five years of incarceration and a $5000 fine. 

Facing Criminal Charges? Contact Fighter Law Today

Don’t let a silly prank ruin your child’s future. With board-certified Attorney Thomas Feiter of Fighter Law by your side, you’re taking a proactive step toward securing the best possible outcome while safeguarding your rights. We stand ready to meet with you, delve into the particulars of your case, and chart a tailored course of action based on your unique circumstances. Leveraging our expertise, network, and deep understanding of Florida law, we’ll work tirelessly to guide you towards resolution. 

It all starts with a complimentary consultation and case evaluation, and we invite you to take that first step today. Reach out to our office at (407) 344-4837 or utilize our convenient online contact form.

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