Mischief Night Charges in New Jersey | What to Know

Mischief Night is well known in the state of New Jersey and often has many participants each year. If your child has been criminally charged as a result of partaking in the events of this night, do not wait to give our skilled Bergen County criminal defense attorney a call today.

Does the state of New Jersey have a mandatory curfew on Mischief Night?

In certain New Jersey towns, a mandatory curfew has been established in order to battle Mischief Night damages. For instance, towns in Monmouth County, NJ newly announced curfews extending from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 that limit individuals under the age of 18 from wandering the streets without an adult watching or escorting them. Curfew hours differ slightly but may start around 8 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. But, recognize that if an adult stays with the minor, they can stay out past the curfew.

Also, other New Jersey towns have instituted a zero-tolerance policy. Juveniles who are caught with objects like eggs, shaving cream, toilet paper, or paintball guns can be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. The best way to keep your children safe this Halloween is to be extra cognizant of your children’s location and plans. If you would like to learn more about these Halloween season regulations, continue reading and reach out to our dedicated and experienced legal team.

What are typical criminal charges issued on Mischief Night?

There are a number of different criminal charges that are generally given out to people on Mischief Night in the state of New Jersey. Some of the most common include, and are not limited to, the following:

• Criminal Mischief (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1)
  Criminal mischief usually occurs on Mischief Night and Halloween. A juvenile can be charged with criminal mischief for throwing objects (like eggs or rocks) at moving vehicles, causing damage to private property, damaging public utilities, or damaging headstones in a cemetery (which occurs more frequently than one may think on Halloween), and other similar disruptive acts.
• Disorderly Conduct (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2)
  Disorderly conduct is not usually used as often as criminal mischief to juveniles is. However, if law enforcement determines that an individual is disrupting the peace or committing violent or dangerous acts that exceed a criminal mischief charge, a case for disorderly conduct can be employed.
• Trespassing (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3)
  Juveniles involved in Mischief Night are at a higher risk for trespassing charges. If your child enters private property without permission, he or she may be charged with trespassing. Trespassing laws also protect schools, which are often the target of Mischief Night.

Do not wait to give our legal team a call today if you or your child has been charged with any of the above penalties. Our firm is on your side each step of the way.