Ding dong ditch-ringing someone’s doorbell and running away before they answer-might seem like a harmless childhood prank. However, under Minnesota law, this act can have legal consequences depending on the circumstances.
Potential Legal Consequences
1. Trespassing
- Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission is considered trespassing in Minnesota, a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Even if you don’t intend harm, being on private property without consent-even briefly-can technically lead to a trespassing charge, especially if the homeowner complains or if there are posted no-trespassing signs.
2. Disturbing the Peace / Disorderly Conduct
- Ding dong ditching can also be classified as disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct if it is done with the intent to alarm, anger, or provoke someone, or if it disrupts a neighborhood’s tranquility.
- Minnesota law specifically lists “ding-dong-ditching” as an example of conduct that could result in a disturbing the peace charge.
- Penalties for disturbing the peace (a form of disorderly conduct) can include up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, though first-time offenders often receive only a fine.
3. Other Offenses
- If the prank is repeated, occurs late at night, or is targeted at the same person multiple times, it could escalate to harassment or more serious charges.
- Causing property damage or entering a home could lead to additional charges such as vandalism or breaking and entering.
How Is It Enforced?
- Most first-time or minor incidents result in a warning, especially if the participants are minors.
- Police and prosecutors have discretion and often focus on more serious offenses, but repeated or egregious incidents can and do result in charges.
Ding dong ditching is not specifically named as a crime in Minnesota, but it can lead to criminal charges such as trespassing or disturbing the peace, especially if it causes alarm, annoyance, or repeated disturbance. Homeowners have the right to call the police, and those caught may face legal consequences, particularly if the behavior is persistent or escalates.
What might seem like a harmless prank can be illegal in Minnesota if it involves trespassing on private property or disturbing someone’s peace. The safest choice is to avoid this activity to prevent potential legal trouble.
Sources:
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/minnesota/the-ins-and-outs-of-disturbing-the-peace-in-minnesota/
- https://www.mnlawyerreferral.org/blog/what-are-minnesotas-trespassing-laws
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
- https://aacriminallaw.com/violent-crimes/disorderly-