Halloween is among many young people’s favorite holidays. But like other holidays in Phoenix, sometimes the festivities get out of hand. This often results in higher rates of juvenile crime during Halloween. In this blog, Lerner and Rowe Law Group breaks down the most common reasons for Halloween arrests that should be on every parent’s radar this year.
If you or someone you love is arrested, our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 to help, even on holidays. Don’t let a criminal conviction haunt you—get the legal help you need today from Lerner and Rowe Law Group.
Vandalism
Vandalism is one of the most common reasons for the increase in crime during Halloween. Some may destroy Halloween decorations, smash pumpkins, damage mailboxes, or break windows. Others may deface cars and buildings with eggs, toilet paper, or graffiti. Vandalism is defined as criminal damage in the Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-602.
Teens are often known to toe the line between mischief and criminal behavior. If your teen recklessly defaces or damages the property of another person, tampers with property so as to impair its function or value, or inscribes graffiti on private or public property, they could be charged with misdemeanor or felony criminal damage depending on the value of damaged property. As little as $250 in criminal damage can result in a class 1 misdemeanor conviction.
Underage Drinking
Halloween parties are common sources of underage drinking in Phoenix. If your teen is caught drinking or even just having unopened alcohol in their possession, they could face serious consequences under Arizona’s Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) laws. MIP is a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in up to 6 months in jail, thousands of dollars in court fines and fees, mandated alcohol counseling, community service, and up to 3 years of probation.
Adults can also be held legally responsible for furnishing underage persons with alcohol, whether they serve an underage person at a bar or purchase alcohol on their behalf. Misdemeanor penalties for supplying a minor with alcohol include up to 6 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and two years of probation.
DUI
For adults over the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. But when it comes to those under the age of 21 who are found to be under the influence of alcohol while driving, Arizona is a zero tolerance state. This means that your teen can be charged with a misdemeanor underage DUI (sometimes called a baby DUI) if they are found to have any BAC over 0.0% within two hours of operating a vehicle, regardless of whether they exhibit any impairment. Penalties for committing this crime during Halloween include up to 10 days in jail, $1,600 in fines, and suspension of driving privileges for at least 90 days.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is another common reason for arrests on Halloween. Halloween parties that get out of hand may quickly devolve into public drunkenness and fistfights. Your teenager can be charged with disorderly conduct for fighting, engaging in violent or disruptive behavior, making unreasonable noise, or using abusive or offensive language or gestures to provoke another person. Serious altercations can even result in an assault charge. Both of these crimes can result in a misdemeanor or in severe cases, a felony.
Theft
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that Halloween was the number one holiday for car theft in the United States in 2015 and 2016. The cost of your teenager’s joyride (even if they were just a passenger) could amount to a class 5 or class 6 felony.
Even if your teen doesn’t steal anything, they can also be charged with trespassing or even burglary for unlawfully entering private property or breaking into another person’s vehicle.
Was Your Teen Charged With a Crime During Halloween?
If you or your teen are arrested or charged with a crime this Halloween, Lerner and Rowe Law Group is just a call away. From petty crimes to life-altering allegations, our juvenile defense attorneys are committed to helping young people and their families access unbiased and fair representation.
Our regular business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, we will take your call or are available to chat online 24/7. Reach out to us by calling 602-667-7777 or by filling out this form. We also offer free and confidential consultations and affordable payment plans, so you don’t have to worry about whether you can afford the representation you deserve.