Participator’s in the annual Devil’s Night have additional targets this year with more vacant buildings and homes available to vandalize. Detroit officials are preparing for the notorious evening by calling volunteers up to assist.

The entire month of October and the evening before Halloween, known as Devil’s Night, are notorious for record breaking incidences of vandalism and arson in the Detroit area. The twisted tradition is believed to have begun in the 1930s and survives to this day.

According to Wikipedia, the acts occurred on Devil’s Night began to get more serious in the 1970s when arsons became more common. According to this article from the Associated Press, 1984 marked the busiest Halloween season with 810 fires.

Mischievousness is not unusual this time of year as people use the dark holiday to cut loose and get a little wild. However criminal behavior like vandalism and arson are expected to be punished swiftly if the suspects can be caught.

The Associated Press reveals that more than 40,000 vacant properties stand ready for potential attack this month as the foreclosure crisis has increased those buildings that stand empty. Last year was a fairly mild one, in comparison, with only 136 fires.

While raising a little Cain on Halloween may be considered a good time, many people are dealing with the consequences of those actions long after the candy and costumes have been put away. Although vandalism is considered a fairly minor criminal charge, it can still place a permanent mark on your record.

Arson, however, is a far more serious offense, classified as a felony if you are accused of burning a home, even if the home is vacant.

It’s easy to get caught up in the tradition and the hype but the consequences are not a laughing matter. If you are facing charges of property damage, malicious destruction, or burning of property, you need a defense attorney on your side willing to go to bat for you.

Contact me today to discuss the details of your case.