Halloween isn’t just the spookiest night of the year because of all of the ghouls and goblins roaming the streets. Along with treats come plenty of tricks and mischief for adults and juveniles alike. In this second installment of Halloween crimes, we look at common juvenile crimes that occur on Halloween and the consequences that may result from a conviction. From vandalism to underage drinking and assault, the list of crimes that take place on Halloween can haunt juveniles well beyond the popular holiday.
Crimes Common Among Juveniles on Halloween
As fun as Halloween may be, underage kids and teens may partake in mischief that leads to misdemeanors or felonies with serious consequences. Every year in Central Oregon, police receive reports of vandalized property, fights, DUIs, theft and more. Common crimes among juveniles on Halloween include:
- Theft
- Assault
- Possession of a Fake ID
- Use, Possession or Sale of Illegal Drugs
- Solicitation of Alcohol
- Distributing Alcohol to Minors
- Sexual Assault
- Trespassing
From TPing a home or throwing eggs to the destruction of property, vandalism is a common crime committed by youth on Halloween. If an object strikes a person, the court considers this assault, which has even more harsh consequences. Assault is a criminal offense, which means a teen could go to court and a conviction may lead to probation among other penalties. Criminal trespassing involves entering and remaining on private property without the owner’s permission. A variety of crimes committed by juveniles on Halloween may possibly result in a misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines and even jail time.
Juvenile Crime Consequences
Consequences of juvenile crimes may stay with them even after they turn 21, which highlights the importance of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Bend in these instances. It’s possible that a little Halloween trickery leads to criminal convictions that may transfer to their adult record. A criminal conviction may prevent a juvenile from finding a job or place to live, qualifying for loans and it may make it difficult for them to apply to college. If a juvenile receives a DUII it may result in loss of driving privileges, large fines, and other potential penalties.
Juvenile Criminal Lawyer in Bend, Oregon
Don’t let Halloween mischief destroy your child’s future. Encourage juveniles to enjoy the holiday safely and avoid trespassing, vandalism and mischief-making. If the unthinkable happens and your child is arrested on Halloween, contact Ricky R. Nelson at Nelson Law for a free consultation. Nelson Law offers aggressive and affordable legal representation for juvenile crimes in Central Oregon. Whether your child is accused of a misdemeanor or felony offense, Nelson Law can build a customized defense unique to their needs.