Is It Illegal to Ding Dong Ditch in Maryland? Here’s What the Law Says

By Rachel Greco

Published on:

Is It Illegal to Ding Dong Ditch in Maryland Here’s What the Law Says

In Maryland, ding dong ditching (ringing a doorbell and fleeing) can potentially lead to legal consequences under trespassing or disorderly conduct laws, depending on the circumstances. Here’s how the law applies:

Trespassing Charges

Maryland’s trespassing laws (Sections 6-402 and 6-403) prohibit entering or remaining on private property without permission:

  • Unposted Property: If the property isn’t marked with “No Trespassing” signs or paint, charges may still apply if the prankster was previously warned by the owner or an agent (e.g., police).
  • Posted Property: Properties with visible signs or compliant paint markings (vertical lines at least 2 inches wide) allow for easier trespassing charges.
  • Penalties:
    • First offense: Up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
    • Repeat offenses (within 2 years): Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine.

Disorderly Conduct

Ding dong ditching may also violate Maryland’s disorderly conduct laws (Section 10-201) if it:

  • Disturbs the peace (e.g., repeated late-night pranks).
  • Causes “unreasonably loud noises” or public annoyance.
  • Penalties: Up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

Key Considerations

  1. Intent and Severity:
    • Simple, isolated pranks may result in warnings, but repeated or aggressive actions (e.g., harassment, property damage) can escalate charges to vandalism or child endangerment.
    • Courts may consider whether the prankster entered the property or merely rang the doorbell from a public area.
  2. Visibility and Warnings:
    • Property owners can authorize police to act as agents, allowing officers to issue trespass warnings directly.
    • Trespass warnings do not expire unless explicitly revoked.
  3. Risks:
    • Homeowners may react unpredictably, leading to confrontations or civil liability if injuries occur.
    • Even minor charges can impact juvenile records or future employment.

Best Practices

  • Avoid entering private property without permission.
  • Cease pranks if warned by authorities or property owners.
  • Prioritize harmless fun that doesn’t disrupt others’ peace.

In summary, while ding dong ditching isn’t explicitly illegal in Maryland, it risks trespassing or disorderly conduct charges if it involves unauthorized property entry or public disturbance. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses, making caution essential.

Sources

  1. https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
  2. https://triallawyersmaryland.com/trespassing-laws-maryland/
  3. https://www.mtmd-law.com/blogs/5476/trespassing-charges-and-penalties-in-maryland
  4. https://www.maronicklaw.com/blog/disturbing-the-peace/
  5. https://www.legalreach.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-illegal-it%E2%80%99s-more-serious-than-you-might-think

Rachel Greco

Rachel Greco covers life in US County, including the communities of Grand Ledge, Delta Township, Charlotte and US Rapids. But her beat extends to local government, local school districts and community events in communities that surround Lansing. Her goal is to tell compelling stories about the area that matter to local readers.

Recommend For You

Leave a Comment