Ding Dong Ditch-also known as doorbell ditching, where someone rings a doorbell and runs away-is not specifically named as a crime in Arizona law. However, the prank can still have legal consequences under certain circumstances.
Arizona Law on Ding Dong Ditch
- No Specific Law:
There is no statute in Arizona that directly makes “ding dong ditch” a criminal offense. - Potential Legal Consequences:
- Trespassing:
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. § 13-1502) make it illegal to knowingly enter or remain unlawfully on someone’s property after being asked to leave. If a homeowner tells you not to return and you do it again, you could be charged with criminal trespass, which is a misdemeanor. - Harassment:
A.R.S. § 13-2917 prohibits harassment, which includes repeatedly committing acts that harass another person. If you ring someone’s doorbell repeatedly-especially at night or in a way that disturbs them-you could be charged with harassment, also a misdemeanor.
- Trespassing:
- When Does It Become a Crime?
A single instance of ding dong ditching is unlikely to result in criminal charges. However, repeated pranks or ignoring a homeowner’s request to stay off their property can escalate the situation to a misdemeanor offense.
Risks Beyond the Law
- Escalating Situations:
While often seen as a harmless prank, ding dong ditching can provoke strong reactions from homeowners. In Arizona and elsewhere, attempts by homeowners to detain or confront pranksters have sometimes led to physical altercations and even criminal charges against the homeowner for excessive force. - Safety Concerns:
The prank can be misinterpreted as an attempted break-in or harassment, leading to potentially dangerous confrontations.
Ding dong ditch is not specifically illegal in Arizona, but it can lead to criminal charges for trespassing or harassment if done repeatedly or after being warned by the property owner. Both offenses are misdemeanors. The prank also carries risks of escalation and unintended consequences, making it inadvisable.
Sources
- https://sc.lawforkids.org/speakup/printable.cfm?id=254&page=5
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
- https://www.inmaricopa.com/ding-dong-ditch-ends-with-illegal-citizens-arrest/
- https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
- https://sc.lawforkids.org/speakup/view_question.cfm?id=254&topic=OTHER
