Interfering with 911 Calls in Weston
Interfering with 9-1-1 calls is treated as a criminal offense under state law, and a conviction for this type of crime can have serious consequences in Weston. When you have been accused of this offense, it is vital that you give yourself the best chance at a favorable outcome by working with a skilled defense attorney.
Interfering with a 9-1-1 Call is a Criminal Offense
The act of interfering with a 9-1-1 call is treated as a criminal offense according to state law. Specifically, the offense is governed by Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-183b. The statute makes impeding emergency calls a Class A misdemeanor, which is one step below a felony.
There are specific elements the state must prove to secure a conviction for interfering with a 9-1-1 call in Weston. First and foremost, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused disrupted or prevented someone from making a call to report an emergency or criminal act. Often, this offense occurs during some form of domestic disturbance or altercation. The prosecution must also establish an element of intent. Accidentally or unintentionally impeding a person’s 9-1-1 call is not a crime.
The right defense strategy in these cases depends entirely on the details surrounding the event. With the help of an attorney, it could be possible to evaluate how the call was disrupted and show there was no intent at the time to do so. In some situations, interference with a 9-1-1 might be accidental. In others, a technical issue like a low phone battery or a dropped call could be the culprit.
Consequences of a Conviction for Interfering With a 9-1-1 Call
As is the case with any criminal offense, a conviction for interfering with a 9-1-1 call in Weston can have serious consequences. A guilty verdict could result in as much as one year of imprisonment and a maximum of $2,000 in fines. It is helpful to remember that these are maximum penalties. While the court might have the power to enter the maximum sentence, most people facing these charges will not be sentenced to the maximum.
Many people charged with interfering with a 9-1-1 call are also facing other criminal charges, as this type of interference is frequently tied to an underlying act of abuse or other illegal act. It is not uncommon for this offense to be coupled with a charge related to domestic assault, for example. In these cases, it is important to have legal counsel that understands how to approach the entire case, not just a single offense.
There are also collateral consequences of a conviction to consider. When a person is convicted of interfering with a 9-1-1 call, it goes on their permanent record. This could impact everything from immigration hearings to child custody decisions. A criminal record could also result in the loss of employment opportunities.
Talk to Weston Legal Counsel About 9-1-1 Interference Charges
When you are accused of interfering with a 9-1-1 call in Weston, the consequences you face can be serious. It is important to remember that being charged with a crime and being convicted are different things. The right attorney could help you fight back and avoid a conviction on your criminal charges.
Reach out to Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, and click here to find out what our past clients have said about working with us.