Smashing Someone’s Pumpkins Could Hold A Steep Fine In Iowa

Halloween is a time for both fun and for mischief. These days we see video footage online all the time, of kids and adults doing dumb things. When we get closer to Halloween we sometimes see kids do popular pranks like:

• Egging a house
• Throwing toilet paper
• Smashing pumpkins
• Ding dong ditching

You may have done some of this when you were younger, but now that we are older we tend to be on the other side of these pranks.

Personally, I think if kids were allowed to trick or treat even as teens, we would have fewer problems.

Get our free mobile app

Before we get into the fines, remember that to get charges pressed you'd have to find the people who did it which isn't very likely.

The Fines

Many sources state,

This common prank usually just upsets those who devoted their time to carving the pumpkins. But if you smash the pumpkin of another, and are caught by law enforcement, you run the risk of being charged with theft or criminal mischief.

Some misdemeanor charges can range from imprisonment for up to 30 days, six months, or even an entire year. You may also be issued fines to pay that range between $1,500 and $2,500.

It gets worse with felony disorderly conduct... you could end up imprisoned for between one to five years depending on the specific charge, and be hit with even more significant fines.

Odds are if you are caught smashing pumpkins on private property you'd face a fine, community service, or a slap on the wrist.

The Crimes

It's pretty simple. If you destroy or deface something on private property it's a crime. Odds are you'll be hit with a disorderly conduct charge or vandalism. According to azharillc.com, anyone can be charged. (If they are caught)

No matter how young or old you are, your “pranks” could result in you facing disorderly conduct charges if you are caught breaking the law. You need to be aware of how this law works in Illinois and whether you (or your kids) will be unintentionally breaking it by engaging in seemingly harmless Halloween “tricks.”

Again, with the amount with how much vandalism that happens on Halloween the odds of finding those who did it are low. Though with Ring cameras, and others like it, it could be easier to catch someone these days.

Have a happy Halloween, and stay safe.