Ding dong ditching—the act of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—is not explicitly named in Delaware law, but it can be considered illegal under certain circumstances. The prank may lead to charges such as criminal trespass or disorderly conduct, depending on the situation and the reaction of those involved.
Legal Risks and Potential Charges
- Trespassing: Entering private property without permission, even briefly to ring a doorbell, can be considered criminal trespass in Delaware. Homeowners have the right to call law enforcement if they believe someone is unlawfully on their property.
- Disorderly Conduct: If the prank causes alarm, annoyance, or a disturbance, it could be treated as disorderly conduct under Delaware law.
- Escalation: Recent high-profile cases show that ding dong ditching can escalate quickly. For example, in 2023, a Delaware State Trooper was indicted and later pled guilty to assaulting teens who played a ding dong ditch prank at his home. While the officer faced criminal charges for his response, the incident also prompted a large police response and detainment of the pranksters—even though they were not ultimately charged with a crime.
What Happens If You’re Caught?
- Police Involvement: If a homeowner calls the police, you could be detained, questioned, or even charged, especially if there’s property damage (such as kicking a door) or repeated incidents.
- No Explicit Statute: There is no Delaware law specifically naming “ding dong ditch” as a crime, but existing laws about trespassing and disorderly conduct apply.
- Severity Matters: Minor, first-time pranks might result in a warning. However, repeated or aggressive behavior, or causing fear or property damage, increases the risk of criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
- Ding dong ditching is not harmless: It can be prosecuted as trespass or disorderly conduct.
- Homeowners and police may respond seriously, especially in today’s climate of heightened security and surveillance.
- Penalties can include warnings, fines, or even misdemeanor charges if the situation escalates.
Summary Table
| Action | Legal in Delaware? | Possible Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Ringing doorbell & running | Risky/Illegal | Warning, trespass or disorderly conduct |
| Causing property damage | Illegal | Criminal charges, restitution |
| Repeated pranks/disturbance | Illegal | Misdemeanor charges |
While Delaware law does not specifically outlaw “ding dong ditch,” the prank can easily cross into illegal territory as trespassing or disorderly conduct. The safest approach is to avoid this activity, as it can result in legal trouble and unintended consequences.
Sources:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/delaware-state-trooper-corporal-dempsey-walters-indicted-ding-dong-ditch-prank/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/26/state-trooper-charged-assault-teens-ding-dong-ditch-pranks/70975159007/
- https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-trooper-charged-assault-teenagers-ding-dong-ditch-prank/
- https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/