Halloween is a fun and spooky time for children and adults alike. The youth are looking forward to trick-or-treating all night, while their older counterparts are planning themed parties. However, as the evenings arrive earlier toward the end of the year, the crime rate generally increases.
Here are the five most common crimes that happen on Halloween night:
- Underage drinking – It is not uncommon for high school and college Halloween parties to involve alcohol and even drugs. Yet, underage drinking and drug possession carries severe consequences like criminal penalties, as well as being suspended or expelled from school.
- DUI – Since excessive drinking typically takes place at high school and college Halloween parties, drunk driving often occurs as well. Whether a suspected drunk driver is of drinking age or not, a DUI conviction in Denver is punishable by costly fines, a lengthy driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
- Vandalism – From egging someone’s home or vehicle to knocking down mailboxes with a baseball bat, vandalism is defined as any action involving deliberate damage or destruction of private or public property. Not only does this crime lead to a jail sentence and/or fines, but also restitution to pay for the repairs and other damages suffered by the property owner.
- Trespassing – Hardcore trick-or-treaters attempt to obtain candy from every house in the neighborhood—even though there are some that are off-limits. Criminal trespass means entering and staying on someone’s property without the owner’s consent. This crime is a misdemeanor in Colorado.
- Theft – Since some families leave their home unattended to go trick-or-treating with the kids or attend a party, there is a rise in home burglaries on Halloween. Additionally, thieves may attempt to steal items away from the home, such as taking a cellphone that was left unattended inside a vehicle.
If you or a loved one was arrested on Halloween night in Denver, the Orr Law Firm can provide experienced and effective legal counsel. Contact us today at (303) 747-4247 to discuss your case.