Pranksters don't always look at the long-term consequences of their antics. But, sometimes their tricks and “fun” pranks can result in criminal charges. For an example of this, let's look at a recent incident in Colorado news. According to reports, there are a group of people dressed as clowns who are jumping out and scaring people at the Southlands Mall in Aurora. If they are caught, these pranksters could face criminal charges in Arapahoe County. Let's take a look at the types of crimes they could face.

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Pranksters are Scaring People Dressed as Clowns

Eyewitnesses have said the pranksters are dressed as clowns or all in black, and are jumping out in front of cars and scaring people who are shopping. While they aren't physically hurting anyone, these people could still face charges.

Harassment Charges

C.R.S. 18-9-111

Harassment is an extremely vague law in Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas County. Put simply, if someone, with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, hits them in any way, swears at them, or follows them in a public place, they will be charged with Harassment. If they are caught, the clowns could be charged with Harassment because they followed people around with the intent to “harass or annoy” them.

Menacing

Charges

C.R.S. 18-3-206

Menacing is a bit more serious in Colorado. It is charged when a person's action put another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.  It becomes a felony if a deadly weapon or threat of a deadly weapon is used. Because the clowns put people in fear for their well-being, they could be charged with Menacing. If they pretended to have a weapon of any kind, or threatened to use their fists, they could be charged with a felony.

Disorderly Conduct Charges

C.R.S. 18-9-106

Disorderly Conduct is another extremely broad law. It is charged when a person knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally makes an offensive gesture in public for the purpose of inciting a breach of the peace, makes too much noise in a public place, or fight with another person. The pranksters could be charged with Disorderly Conduct if some of the people they pranked fought back, or if their actions could be seen as offensive.

Pranks can go bad very quickly. If you've been charged, contact a lawyer so your antics don't end in a conviction.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Pranks Gone Wrong in Colorado

People who pull elaborate pranks don't always think about the consequences of their actions in Adams, El Paso, or Denver County. Instead, they think about how much fun they'll have scaring people and then watching the videos later. Unfortunately, the shoppers at the Aurora Southlands Mall weren't too thrilled with the clown's antics. If they are caught, they could face a myriad of crimes which carry long-term consequences. If you pulled a prank that went wrong and you have received a ticket, summons, or complaint, contact an attorney immediately who will be your advocate in court. Don't let a bad decision affect your future. Contact a lawyer who will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

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If you are a prankster who has been charged with a crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

Image Credit: Pixabay – RyanMcGuire