Ding dong ditch, also known as “knock knock ginger,” is a prank where someone rings a doorbell or knocks on a door and then runs away before the occupant can answer. While often considered a childhood prank, its legal status varies by jurisdiction, and in some cases, it can have serious consequences.
Delaware Law and Ding Dong Ditch
There is no Delaware statute that explicitly mentions “ding dong ditch” by name. However, the act can fall under several broader legal categories, most notably trespassing, harassment, or disorderly conduct, depending on the circumstances.
Trespassing Laws
In Delaware, entering someone’s property without permission can constitute criminal trespass. While the Delaware Code does not spell out “ding dong ditch,” the act of approaching a home, ringing the bell, and fleeing could be interpreted as trespassing, especially if the prankster steps onto a porch or otherwise enters private property without consent. The law states:
“A person is guilty of trespass when, knowing that they are not licensed or privileged to do so, they enter or remain unlawfully in or upon premises.”
Depending on the intent and whether any property is damaged, trespassing can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in rare cases, a felony if the act is particularly egregious or repeated.
Disorderly Conduct and Harassment
Ding dong ditching could also be considered disorderly conduct if it disturbs the peace or causes alarm to the occupants. If the action is repeated or particularly aggressive (such as banging on the door or causing fear), it could rise to the level of harassment or even be considered a hoax device if the intent is to cause “anxiety, unrest, fear or personal discomfort”.
Recent Delaware Case: Legal and Real-World Consequences
A highly publicized case in Elsmere, Delaware, in 2023, brought national attention to the potential dangers of this prank. Two teenagers, ages 15 and 17, were involved in a ding dong ditch incident at the home of a Delaware state trooper. The incident escalated when the trooper, Dempsey Walters, assaulted the teens after the prank. Walters was later indicted and pleaded guilty to assault and violating the civil rights of the teenagers.
Notably, the teens were not charged with a crime, but the case demonstrates how a seemingly harmless prank can quickly escalate, especially if the homeowner feels threatened or believes a crime is being committed. In this case, the prank was reported as an attempted home invasion, leading to a significant police response, including helicopters and K-9 units.
Potential Penalties
While Delaware law does not specifically criminalize ding dong ditching, those caught could face:
- Trespassing charges: If a homeowner wishes to press charges and the police determine the prankster entered the property unlawfully.
- Disorderly conduct or harassment charges: If the act causes alarm, fear, or significant disturbance.
- Civil liability: If any property is damaged or if the prank causes injury.
Penalties for trespassing can include fines and community service, and in more serious cases, jail time. If the prank involves damaging property or causing someone to fear for their safety, the consequences can be more severe.
What Should Homeowners and Teens Know?
- For Teens: While ding dong ditch may seem harmless, it is not without risk. Homeowners may perceive the act as a threat, especially if it occurs at night or repeatedly. There is also the risk of escalation, as seen in the Delaware case, where law enforcement responded with significant force.
- For Homeowners: The law does not permit using force against pranksters unless there is a genuine and reasonable belief of imminent harm. Overreacting can result in criminal charges against the homeowner, as seen in the Walters case.
Legal Status and Risks
| Action | Possible Charge | Penalty Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringing doorbell & running | Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct | Fine, Community Service, Possible Jail | Depends on circumstances and intent |
| Damaging property | Criminal Mischief | Higher fines, Jail | If property is damaged during prank |
| Escalation by homeowner | Assault, Civil Rights Violation | Jail, Fines | If excessive force is used |
Ding dong ditching is not specifically illegal in Delaware, but it can result in criminal charges under trespassing, disorderly conduct, or harassment laws, especially if the act causes fear, damage, or repeated disturbance. Both pranksters and homeowners should be aware of the risks: what starts as a joke can quickly become a legal matter with serious consequences.
Sources:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/dempsey-walters-suspended-delaware-state-trooper-pleads-guilty-assault-teens-ding-dong-ditch-prank/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/delaware-state-trooper-corporal-dempsey-walters-indicted-ding-dong-ditch-prank/
- https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc02/index.html
- https://www.pumphreylawfirm.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-as-harmless-as-pranksters-think/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/26/state-trooper-charged-assault-teens-ding-dong-ditch-pranks/70975159007/
