Interfering with 911 Call in Wilton
If you are accused of interfering with a 911 call in Wilton, you could face serious criminal penalties. Assistance from a seasoned domestic violence lawyer could make all the difference in how your case plays out and how effectively you can avoid serious personal and professional consequences.
What Are The Penalties for Interfering With An Emergency Call?
If a person in Connecticut intentionally and knowingly obstructs another person’s attempt to report a crime or summon protection from police via telephone or radio call, they may be charged with interfering with an emergency call under Connecticut General Statutes §53a-183b. The obstruction doesn’t need to be violent. Hanging up a 911 call or grabbing the phone and telling the operator it was an accident can all qualify.
No matter how someone blocks or hinders an emergency call, any ensuing criminal charge for that act would be for a class A misdemeanor offense. Upon conviction for interfering with a 911 call in Wilton, a defendant may face up to one year in jail as well as a fine of up to $2,000.
If this type of offense is categorized as domestic violence, a defendant may also be subject to investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as well as a temporary protective order. If they are convicted of their domestic violence criminal offense, that temporary order may be expanded into a standing criminal protective order, which lasts for one year and may be renewed at a judge’s discretion.
Do I Have Options After Being Arrested for Emergency Call Interference?
Contesting a 911 call interference charge typically centers around proving either that the caller was not actually hindered in their attempt to summon aid from law enforcement, or that the reason the call was cut off was not related to any conscious physical or verbal interference from the defendant. For example, if the caller chose to hang up before completing their 911 call without any interference from another person, a defendant arrested for obstructing that call could challenge the assertion that they were directly and consciously responsible for the hang-up.
When addressing 911 call interference charges in Wilton, it is usually essential to file a motion to ensure the official recording of the call under question is preserved, and often to solicit testimony from witnesses who can clarify what really happened prior to the defendant’s arrest. A top Wilton lawyer who has filed these motions in the past can help you understand why this is important and have it filed on your behalf.
Speak with a Wilton Attorney Today About an Interfering with 911 Call Offense
Between possible criminal sanctions and the various consequences that can stem from interfering with a 911 call in Wilton, it is always in your best interests to be proactive about contesting charges. You can read our hundreds of certified 5-star reviews here to see how an attorney can be helpful and then call today at (203) 358-4700 to get started on your case.