Interfering with a 911 Call in New Canaan Lawyer

Connecticut courts take the crime of interfering with an emergency call seriously, and those who are convicted of this offense may face severe repercussions. A top interfering with a 911 call lawyer in New Canaan could help you build a strong defense to the charges you are facing and work toward the best resolution possible.

What is Interfering with an Emergency Call?

Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-183b, interfering with an emergency call is a Class A misdemeanor offense. Individuals commit this offense when they physically or verbally prevent or hinder others from making or completing a call to 911. This applies to any call to a law enforcement agency to report a crime or ask for police protection. According to this statute, a conviction for this offense requires proof that the individuals intended to prevent others from making or completing such an emergency call.

What are the Penalties for Interfering with a 911 Call?

Interfering with an emergency call is a Class A misdemeanor under Connecticut law punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of not more than $2,000 under C.G.S. §53a-36 and §53a-42. As an interfering with a 911 call attorney in New Canaan may advise, individuals convicted of this offense may also be placed on probation and ordered to pay court costs.

What Actions Violate the Interfering with an Emergency Call Statute?

Both physical actions and verbal attempts to interfere with a 911 call can violate the law. See C.G.S. §53a-183b. For instance, these charges may arise when individuals take any of the following steps:

• Breaking a cell phone that another is using to call 911;
• Ripping a phone from the hands of someone trying to call 911;
• Disconnecting a call to 911 made by another;
• Threatening another who is making a 911 call or telling the 911 operator that everything is fine and hanging up the phone.

In many cases, charges of interfering with an emergency call accompany other charges in the context of a domestic dispute. When this charge occurs in a domestic violence situation, the court may also enter a criminal protective order under C.G.S. §54-1k.

Consult an Interfering with a 911 Call in New Canaan Attorney for Help

Criminal charges for interfering with a 911 call in New Canaan can be complicated and involve various other charges and proceedings, especially in domestic violence situations. Every case differs, and determining how to handle the matter is not always straightforward. Therefore, consulting with a New Canaan interfering 911 call lawyer can be crucial. To learn how a top attorney could help in your situation, call Mark Sherman Law.