Halloween can be a fun holiday to enjoy responsibly and safely, if you like a night on the town with dressed-up ghosts and goblins. Unfortunately, some folks do take certain costumes and personas to an extreme, and this could very well make people commit crimes, either unwillingly or with full knowledge of what they are doing.
In order to enjoy a safe Halloween with friends and family and avoid a potential arrest during this holiday, make sure to follow some of the mentioned tips and reminders.
Avoid a Crime this Halloween
- First and foremost, don’t drink and drive. It may be tempting to consume some adult beverages at a neighborhood party and drive home after just “a couple” drinks, but it’s important to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you are pulled over and asked to take a breathalyzer test, you may be charged with a DUI. You will need the expertise of a criminal defense attorney if you are arrested and charged with a DUI.
- Don’t impersonate law enforcement and pull over or “arrest” people. It may be tempting to take your cop outfit seriously, but do not ever impersonate law enforcement in a serious way. One Disney employee in Orlando learned the hard way when he was arrested for impersonating an FBI agent and pulling out a fake badge to show a woman he pulled over. It is illegal to flash a fake badge to pull over or arrest someone.
- Do not use real weapons with your costume. It’s much safer to not wear a costume that has a weapon component. Do not ever bring a real gun or knife out trick-or-treating, or flash a gun at a costume party. There’s too much room for misinterpretation and error with any weapons on Halloween.
- Do not steal any Halloween decorations from someone’s yard. This is still stealing, and can get you arrested regardless of how minor the theft is.
- Be aware of where you are walking, especially if you are on private property. Some people do not participate in Halloween activities, and may not be comfortable with strangers on their property. If it seems suspicious for you to be on the property, it’s best not to go there.
Some crimes are committed without the accused being fully aware that a crime is happening. Be smart on Halloween and use common sense. If it seems like you may be committing a crime, despite all the costumes and revelry that may be happening around you, do not proceed with that action. Better to avoid doing something than get arrested for a crime you did not intend on committing.
If you are arrested and accused of a crime, you will need the expertise of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the criminal justice system and understand the charges brought against you.
References:
DHSMV Reminds Motorists That Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving This Halloween. (2017, January 19). Retrieved October 11, 2017, from https://www.flhsmv.gov/2016/10/31/dhsmv-reminds-motorists-buzzed-driving-drunk-driving-halloween/
Press, A. (2017, May 31). Disney employee accused of using Halloween prop to impersonate FBI agent. Retrieved October 11, 2017, from http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-disney-fbi-agent-20170531-story.html