Ding dong ditching—ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—is not specifically illegal in New Mexico, but it can result in legal consequences depending on how the act is interpreted under state law and the circumstances involved.
- Trespassing: Entering someone’s property without permission to ring the doorbell could be considered trespassing. In New Mexico, criminal trespass occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains on private or unposted lands without the owner’s permission. However, a quick dash to the door and back (without lingering) may not always be enough to trigger a trespassing charge, especially if the property is not clearly posted or fenced, but it depends on the situation and property boundaries.
- Harassment: If ding dong ditching becomes a repeated pattern intended to annoy, alarm, or terrorize someone, it could be considered harassment under New Mexico law. Harassment is defined as knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct intended to annoy, seriously alarm, or terrorize another person with no lawful purpose, and it can result in misdemeanor charges.
- Disturbing the Peace: If the prank causes loud or unreasonable noise, especially late at night, it might be considered disturbing the peace, though this is less likely for a single doorbell ring.
- Context Matters: If the pranksters are mistaken for intruders or if the homeowner feels threatened, the situation could escalate quickly, potentially involving law enforcement or even self-defense claims by the homeowner.
Summary Table
| Legal Issue | Possible in New Mexico? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trespassing | Yes, under certain conditions | If you enter property without permission, especially if repeated |
| Harassment | Yes, if repeated or intended to annoy/alarm | Pattern of behavior can be misdemeanor |
| Disturbing the Peace | Possible, but less likely | If loud or repeated noise, especially at night |
Key Takeaway:
While ding dong ditching is not specifically criminalized in New Mexico, it can lead to trespassing or harassment charges if done repeatedly or if it causes alarm or annoyance. Always respect private property and consider how your actions might be perceived by others6
Sources
[1] https://www.thedominguezlawfirm.com/blog/are-you-responsible-if-an-intruder-is-hurt-on-your-property-in-new-mexico/
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-30/article-3a/section-30-3a-2/
[3] https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/hi-i-am-15-years-old-i-got-a-disturbing-the-peace–661988.html
[4] https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/is-it-allowed-to-ding-dong-ditch–5329846.html
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ksT6lvfGc
