Halloween Hijinks Can Leave You Facing Criminal Charges In Pinellas County
Halloween falls on a Thursday in 2024, and little ghosts, ghouls, and goblins are gearing up for what is sure to be a fun weekend. Children dress up in fanciful costumes and make the rounds collecting candy, while the young at heart visit local haunted houses, attend Halloween parties, and enjoy other fall-themed activities.
Unfortunately, it is easy to get carried away during the spooky season, which could have serious repercussions long after. Our Seminole criminal attorney highlights some common Halloween hijinks that could leave you facing serious criminal charges in Pinellas County.
Common Juvenile Pranks That Could Result In Criminal Crimes In Pinellas County Over Halloween
The Halloween holiday heralds the fall season, a favorite time of year for many Seminole residents. Cooler temps provide the perfect opportunity for a celebration, and Sun Coast Family Fun lists a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities throughout Pinellas County in 2024.
Unfortunately, while young children look forward to trick-or-treating, teens can end up getting into more mischievous behavior. Common types of activities that can result in juvenile criminal charges in Pinellas County over Halloween include:
- Toilet papering neighborhood houses;
- Throwing eggs at homes or businesses;
- Smashing pumpkins and tearing up yards or gardens;
- Stealing mailboxes or yard decor;
- Turning over gravestones in cemeteries;
- Disturbing the peace via blood-curdling screams, startling strangers in public, and blasting the Monster Mash or other songs on full volume.
Alcohol and drugs also pose hazards to teens over Halloween. In addition to putting their health and safety at risk, criminal charges for underage drinking or drug use could jeopardize their future prospects.
Adult Alcohol-Related Crimes Over Halloween
Teens are not the only ones who may overindulge in drinking over Halloween. Unfortunately, the holiday is a common time for adults to face criminal DUI charges in Pinellas County as well.
Halloween hijinks aside, the National Safety Council warns that with so many adults and children out and about, pedestrian accidents tend to spike at this time of year. Drunk driving is a common cause of these crashes. In addition to driving under the influence, other ways alcohol could cause you to run afoul of the law include:
- Drunk and disorderly conduct;
- Getting into fights;
- Providing alcohol to minors;
- Overserving Halloween party guests.
Under the Florida Statutes, dram shop laws detail liability on the part of party hosts, bar owners, or anyone who provides others with alcohol to others. Along with any criminal charges, you could be held personally liable for injuries that happen as a result of drunk driving accidents in Pinellas County.
Get Our Pinellas County Criminal Attorney On Your Side
For both teens and adults, lapses in judgment and reckless behavior over the Halloween holiday could leave you facing serious criminal charges in Pinellas County. To protect your rights and avoid the often harsh penalties associated with a conviction, get The Reep Law Firm on your side. Give us a call or contact our office online today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Seminole criminal attorney.
Sources:
suncoastfamilyfun.com/halloween-events-in-pinellas/
nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/autumn-safety/halloween?srsltid=AfmBOop8hksH4ezWKDdliJ-ottPBN6VJhflVGXd0WymMdszlyrTpAkff
eg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.125.html
