Which Halloween Pranks Can Land Jokesters in Jail? L.A. Lawyer Explains

As Halloween approaches and both ghouls and goblins prepare to close October with a bang, the question must be asked: What spooky season malfeasance can land you behind bars?

Pranks, much like candy and costumes, are synonymous with Halloween. More often than not, the aftermath of the perfect prank is a moment of fear followed by relieved laughter. Some unsavory traditions, however, carry more severe consequences.

Egging—throwing raw eggs at homes and cars—along with stealing or smashing pumpkins and TP-ing—the process of covering houses, trees and any other standing objects with toilet paper—are three of the most common pranks pulled on Halloween, or the night before.

All three are also illegal and, based on certain state regulations, have the potential to violate multiple laws at the same time.

"Vandalism is the major one when it comes to...TP-ing and smashing pumpkins and egging," Los Angeles lawyer and popular social media creator Mike Mandell told Newsweek.

"Different states refer to it differently. Some might call it criminal mischief, some might call it criminal trespass," Mandell added. "Whether the vandalism is a misdemeanor or a felony really depends on how severe the damages [are]. When you're talking about egging houses and cars, there's the possibility it could be elevated to a higher offense."

Mandell, whose 2021 TikTok focusing on Halloween pranks racked up close to 200,000 likes, also revealed that vandalism is commonly linked with trespassing.

In order for vandals to cover a front porch with toilet paper, or encrust a car in bits of shell and egg yolk, they'd likely have to cross onto private property, potentially invoking charges of trespassing.

Northeastern University professor James Alan Fox published data in 2013 indicating that violent crime increases on Halloween night.

Data published last year by Travelers Insurance also showed that over the last decade, Halloween night has sparked an 8 percent increase in claims of theft, as well as a 68 percent increase in claims of vandalism.

However, despite statistics that show an increase in crime on October 31, there is little evidence to support one of the most commonly circulated pieces of Halloween misinformation regarding contaminated candy.

For generations, fears of razor blades, drugs and other foreign substances being hidden inside sweets intended for trick-or-treaters have gripped parents and children across the country.

There is no proof of a single child in the U.S. ever dying from tainted candy received while trick-or-treating, but according to Mandell, the impact of tall tales is undeniable.

"People giving trick or treaters poison candy with razor blades is a total myth," Mandell said. "But the damage to our collective psyche has already been done.

"If you're handing out unsafe candy, you could be charged with assault, battery or even attempted murder," Mandell added.

Update 10/26/22, 5:00 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and background.