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Posted on October 14, 2025 in Criminal Defense
Halloween is supposed to be a night of fun, but it’s also one of the busiest nights of the year for law enforcement in Arizona. Between large parties, heavy drinking, and crowded streets, police often respond to a wide range of offenses. Many people who never expected to get in trouble end up spending the night (or longer) in jail.
If you plan to celebrate Halloween in Arizona, learning about the most common reasons for arrests can help you avoid a costly and stressful situation.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is likely the most frequent Halloween arrest in Arizona. Police set up extra patrols and DUI checkpoints to catch impaired drivers after parties and bar crawls.
Under A.R.S. § 28-1381, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.08% can still result in an arrest if an officer believes your driving ability was affected.
A first-time DUI conviction can lead to penalties like:
Arizona enforces some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country, so getting behind the wheel after drinking on Halloween (or any other day for that matter) is simply not worth the risk.
Halloween celebrations often get loud and unpredictable. When people drink, wear masks, and gather in public spaces, tensions can rise, and disorderly conduct charges frequently follow.
Under A.R.S. § 13-2904, disorderly conduct includes behavior such as:
These charges can be filed even for seemingly minor incidents, meaning actions such as playing pranks and blocking traffic can still result in criminal penalties if law enforcement views them as disruptive.
Physical fights sometimes break out during Halloween parties or other crowded events. What starts as a disagreement over spilled drinks or costume mishaps can quickly turn into an assault charge.
Arizona law distinguishes between misdemeanor assault and aggravated assault depending on the severity of the incident. Aggravated assault, under A.R.S. § 13-1204, can be charged if certain factors are present, such as when a weapon is used or a serious injury occurs.
Halloween attracts many college students and young adults. Police frequently patrol near college campuses and entertainment districts looking for underage drinking violations.
Possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 is a criminal offense in Arizona. Using a fake ID to buy alcohol or enter a bar can result in additional charges under A.R.S. § 4-241, potentially leading to fines and other consequences.
Costumes and pranks can sometimes result in property damage. For example, egging cars and smashing pumpkins might seem harmless to some, but these activities may be considered criminal damage under A.R.S. § 13-1602.
The penalties depend on the value of the property damaged. For example, damage exceeding $1,000 can elevate the charge to a felony. A moment of poor judgment can easily result in a permanent criminal record.
If you’re arrested on Halloween night in Arizona, stay calm and avoid saying anything that could be used against you later. Ask for an attorney immediately and exercise your right to remain silent.
A Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can help you work toward as favorable an outcome as possible, including having your charges completely dismissed. Call Orent Law Offices today to schedule a free initial consultation.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
