Michigan Prank Laws: Know the Risks Before Pulling Summer Stunts

As Alice Cooper says, "school's out for summer!"

Let's be honest, summer is great, but sometimes it leaves kids bored, which then leads to trouble. Some Michigan kids have already let the prank wars begin.

Before they choose their next prank, they may want to read this article. Let's dive into some of the most popular pranks and explore the potential fines or jail time they could result in.

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Egging Cars or Houses in Michigan

According to FindLaw.com, this specific prank falls under Michigan's vandalism laws. The site does mention that it is one of the lesser vandalism charges. However, you can still be fined depending on the severity of the damage, typically up to $1,000.

Toilet Papering (TP-ing) Someone's House

When I was in high school, this one was a favorite. In general, no, TP-ing someone's house is not illegal. However, some police departments may cite perpetrators for offenses such as littering, trespassing, disorderly conduct, or criminal mischief, especially in instances when the homeowner’s property is damaged. 

Stealing Political Signs

This one was particularly hard to research. Turns out if you type in the words "stealing," "signs," and "Michigan" all that comes up is Jim Harbaugh.

But seriously, according to Novilaw.com, Stealing a political yard sign is illegal and considered a misdemeanor. If caught, you could face up to 93 days in jail and be required to pay fines of up to $500.

Throwback to when this was so bad in 2020 that Genesse County police had to remind residents that it was, indeed, a crime.

My conclusion? All in all, it's simply not worth it to pull these sorts of pranks. Stick to the in-house ones like shrink-wrapping your brother's toilet or drawing a wiener on a sleeping friend's head.