When Halloween Mischief Leads to Criminal Charges 

 Posted on October 20, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Halloween can be a fun time for children, teenagers, and adults alike. Unfortunately, sometimes. the "trick" portion of trick or treating gets out of hand. If you or your child is facing criminal charges stemming from Halloween mischief, it is important to understand the possible consequences and defenses that may be available.

Most Halloween-related crimes are relatively minor, such as vandalism or trespassing.  However, more serious offenses, such as burglary or assault, can also occur. In some cases, people are charged with crimes that they did not commit. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. 

Juvenile Offenses During Halloween

Children, teenagers, and young adults may be shocked to end up in handcuffs after a seemingly harmless prank. For example, "egging" a house by throwing eggs at it can lead to broken windows and other property damage. This may be considered vandalism. 

Teenagers and young adults under age 21 may consume alcohol or drugs at a Halloween party and end up facing possession charges. If an underage person consumes alcohol and then drives, he or she can face drunk driving charges punishable by a one-year driver's license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking which means that even a single alcoholic drink can lead to charges for driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor (DUIA by a Minor). If an underage person's BAC is above 0.8 percent, he or she can face the same DWI penalties that over-21 individuals face. This may include heavy fines, 3 to 180 days in jail, and driver's license suspension. 

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you or your child fight charges for DUIA, DWI, vandalism, assault, burglary, or other offenses. In some cases, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

Contact a Pleasanton Criminal Defense Lawyer

At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we provide skilled legal advocacy for adults and teenagers accused of criminal offenses. With over 40 years of collective legal experience, we have the legal knowledge and skills needed to provide a robust defense. We represent both adults and juveniles accused of criminal charges. Call our experienced Atascosa County criminal defense attorneys at 830-769-1010 and set up a free, confidential consultation. 

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/AL/htm/AL.106.htm