Social media nowadays is full of prank videos that rack up millions of views and likes. It’s not just teens who try their luck at going viral. Adults get into it, too. Egging a house or covering yards with toilet paper rolls might seem perfect for those eyeing a fun, harmless prank video.
What many don’t realize is that these age-old pranks can result in criminal charges and serious consequences.
Sneaking onto someone’s property is a crime
When you sneak onto someone’s property to egg their house or cover their trees in toilet paper, you’ve already committed trespassing. The law considers any unauthorized entry onto private property as trespassing—even without fences, hedges or “No Trespassing” signs. These include:
- Walking across someone’s lawn
- Entering an empty building
- Climbing onto a roof
- Hiding in someone’s bushes
- Refusing to leave when asked
Every instance of trespassing, even for a quick prank, can lead to misdemeanor charges in Colorado. This can result in fines of up to $1,000 and even a year in jail.
Going beyond trespassing charges
Egging or TP-ing houses opens the door to multiple criminal charges, not just trespassing. Property damage from eggs can strip paint and stain surfaces, leading to criminal mischief charges.
If cleanup costs or damages exceed $1,000, this might push these charges into felony territory. You might also face harassment charges if you target specific individuals repeatedly.
Think twice before pulling that prank
Popular movies and TV shows rarely show the legal aftermath of pranks gone wrong. A moment of fun can turn into court appearances, fines and even jail time.
Before joining in on a property-related prank, remember that Colorado takes these crimes seriously. Moreover, consider consulting a legal professional before filming yourself doing any prank to help protect your legal rights.
