Yes, ding dong ditching can be illegal in Illinois, potentially falling under criminal trespass. Here’s a breakdown of relevant legal aspects:
Criminal Trespass: The act of ding dong ditching can be considered criminal trespass.
John Wright Lawsuit: In Illinois, an insurance agent, John Wright, filed a lawsuit against a 14-year-old neighbor for repeatedly ringing his doorbell and running away. Wright claimed the teen’s actions caused him “severe emotional distress, severe anxiety, sleeplessness, extreme and rapid weight loss, and required treatment medication in order to function in his daily living,” as well as a $30,000 loss in income.
Legal Considerations:
- While there may not be a specific law addressing ding dong ditching directly in some states, it can still be considered a form of criminal trespass.
- Even if considered a nuisance rather than a serious crime, legal consequences can arise.
Dealing with Ding Dong Ditching:
- Install motion-activated lights or cameras to deter pranksters and gather evidence.
- Consider disabling the doorbell temporarily or using a timer to shut it off during certain hours.
- Communicate with neighbors or the pranksters’ parents if their identities are known.
- Report repeated incidents to the police.
Video Doorbells:
- Video doorbells are legal and can be installed on properties, but certain rules and restrictions may apply.
- If you have video evidence of the perpetrators, you can share this with law enforcement.
Sources:
[1] https://www.plotnicklaw.com/illinois-man-says-teens-games-of-ding-dong-ditch-caused-emotional-distress-weight-loss-financial-problems-lawsuit.html
[2] https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
[3] https://www.serve-now.com/articles/2557/video-doorbells-ringing-in-problems-for-process-servers
