Ding dong ditch—the prank of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away—may seem harmless, but it can have legal consequences in Wyoming depending on how it’s done. Although there is no law that specifically names “ding dong ditch” as a crime, certain actions associated with the prank can violate state laws.
Wyoming Law Overview
Wyoming doesn’t have a law that directly targets ding dong ditch, but there are several existing laws that may apply to the prank:
1. Criminal Trespass (Wyoming Statutes § 6-3-303)
Definition: Criminal trespass occurs when someone enters or remains on private property without permission.
Application to Ding Dong Ditch: If you ring a doorbell, you’re usually stepping onto someone’s private property, which could be considered trespassing if done without consent.
Penalty: It’s classified as a misdemeanor, which can lead to up to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $750, or both.
2. Harassment
Definition: Harassment is any conduct intended to annoy, alarm, or disturb another person.
Application to Ding Dong Ditch: If the prank is done repeatedly or is targeted at a specific person, it could be considered harassment.
Penalty: Harassment is also a misdemeanor, which could result in criminal charges.
3. Disorderly Conduct (Wyoming Statutes § 6-6-102)
Definition: Disorderly conduct refers to any behavior that disrupts the peace of a community or its residents.
Application to Ding Dong Ditch: If the prank causes a disturbance, it may be considered disorderly conduct.
Penalty: Like trespassing and harassment, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $750, or both.
4. Key Points
First-time incidents: A single, isolated ding dong ditch prank is typically treated as a minor nuisance, and the person involved is often just given a warning.
Repeated or targeted pranks: If ding dong ditch is repeated or specifically targets an individual, it can lead to criminal charges, including trespassing, harassment, or disorderly conduct.
Minors: Typically, minors are given warnings for first-time offenses, but repeat pranks or any property damage can lead to more serious consequences.
Property owners: If someone feels harassed or threatened by the prank, they may contact law enforcement to report it.
Sources:
1. https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/21/is-it-illegal-to-ding-dong-ditch-in-wyoming-heres-what-the-law-says/
2. https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-6/chapter-3/article-3/section-6-3-303/
3. https://www.legalreach.com/blog/is-ding-dong-ditching-illegal-it%E2%80%99s-more-serious-than-you-might-think
4. https://mywaynecountynow.com/is-it-illegal-to-ding-dong-ditch-in-west-virginia-heres-what-the-law-says/
