While “ding dong ditching” is not explicitly mentioned in New Mexico law, the practice could potentially be considered illegal under certain circumstances. Here’s what the law says:
Criminal Trespass
Ding dong ditching could be considered criminal trespass in New Mexico. According to state law, criminal trespass consists of:
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Knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without written permission from the owner or person in control of the land.
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Knowingly entering or remaining upon unposted lands of another, knowing that consent to enter or remain is denied or withdrawn by the owner or occupant.
Disorderly Conduct
The act of ding dong ditching might also fall under disorderly conduct laws in New Mexico. Disorderly conduct is defined as:
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Engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct which tends to disturb the peace.
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Maliciously disturbing, threatening or, in an insolent manner, intentionally touching any house occupied by any person.
Potential Consequences
If charged with criminal trespass or disorderly conduct for ding dong ditching, the consequences could include:
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Criminal trespass is typically charged as a misdemeanor, which can result in fines and potential jail time.
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Disorderly conduct is classified as a petty misdemeanor in New Mexico.
It’s important to note that while ding dong ditching might seem like a harmless prank, it can lead to dangerous situations. There have been instances where homeowners have reacted violently to such pranks, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
While ding dong ditching is not specifically illegal in New Mexico, it could be prosecuted under existing laws related to trespassing and disorderly conduct. It’s best to avoid engaging in this activity to prevent potential legal consequences and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Sources:
- https://vistacriminallaw.com/doorbell-ding-dong-ditching/
- https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
- https://lizzybunkerlaw.com/blog/how-to-beat-a-trespassing-charge-in-new-mexico/
- https://newmexicocriminallaw.com/disorderly-conduct/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-73/article-2/section-73-2-64/
