What Are the Penalties for Interfering With an Emergency Call?
Young woman using cell phone to send text message on social network at night. Closeup of hands with computer laptop in background
Inhibiting or preventing someone from making an emergency call can result in a charge or arrest for interfering with an emergency call. In the state of Texas, this criminal charge is considered a serious offense and it can lead to serious consequences such as jail time and a large fine. Many times, this crime occurs when a victim of violence or assault claims that they were prevented from calling law enforcement.
How Can I Be Charged for Interfering with an Emergency Call?
An individual commits this offense if he or she knowingly prevents or interferes with someone else’s ability to place an emergency call or to ask for assistance in an emergency from any type of law enforcement agency, medical entity, or other agency.
An individual also commits this offense if he or she recklessly renders useless the phone that would otherwise be used by another person to place an emergency call or to request police or medical assistance.
What Are the Penalties for Interfering with an Emergency Call?
Interfering with an emergency phone call in Texas is a serious offense that can result in:
A Class A misdemeanor
Up to a year in jail
Up to a $4,000 fine
You could also lose your right to possess firearms in Texas. The charge can be updated to a felony if you have a previous conviction for interfering with an emergency or 911 call.
If you have been charged with this crime, then you should contact one of our criminal defense attorneys at the Goolsby Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Mike Goolsby
A veteran in both civil court cases and criminal defense, Mike Goolsby is a respected lawyer with more than 16 years of experience practicing law. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas in 1990, followed by his J.D. from the prestigious Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1994. After earning his law degree, Mr. Goolsby worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. As a trial lawyer, he was able to gain exceptional access to the criminal court system in this major metropolitan area, giving him immeasurable, distinct experience that helped him build a solid foundation for his own private legal practice. Mr. Goolsby went on to practice civil law for Maverick Acceptance Group, a venture capital company. Here, he gained invaluable knowledge of the civil side of the law, adding to his already diverse portfolio of legal expertise. In 1999, he opened the doors of The Goolsby Law Firm and has been successfully serving the residents of North Texas ever since. As an attorney, Mr. Goolsby combines his experience in both the civil and criminal fields to offer unmatched legal representation to his clients. With a long list of satisfied clients, Mr. Goolsby continues to build his practice through fair and aggressive legal defense.