Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409. We fight to protect your rights.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Damage to or Interruption of a Communication Device - Utah Attorney

Trying to stop someone from using a phone to call 911 in Utah can result in a criminal conviction up to six months jail. If you are facing criminal charges in Utah, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard has achieved not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and reversals on appeal for some of the most serious criminal charges on the books in Utah. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.

Elements of a Criminal Charge for Interruption of a Communication Device in Utah

To obtain a conviction for damage to or interruption of a communication device, the prosecution must prove that someone was using or trying to use a telephone or other communication device to "summon emergency aid" (most often calling 911). The prosecuting attorney must also present evidence that the defendant interfered or prevented the first person from using that communication device, by the use of  force, intimidation, or other form of violence, or by damaging or disabling the device.

Penalties for Interruption of a Communication Device in Utah

Under Utah criminal law the crime of "damage to or interruption of a communication device" is classified as a class B misdemeanor, and can be punished by up to 180 days in jail plus a fine and surcharge of $1,900. But this criminal charge is often filed in combination with other criminal charges. This can greatly increase the potential penalties.

A charge of damaging or interrupting a communication device in Utah is often the result of allegations that the defendant tried to stop another person from using a phone to report another crime. For example, if the victim of an alleged assault attempts to call 911, but is prevented from doing so, a prosecuting attorney may file both an assault charge and an additional charge of damaging to or interruption of a communication device. Other charges commonly associated with damaging or interruption of a communication device include unlawful detention, disorderly conduct, intoxication, criminal mischief, or various domestic violence charges. In many cases, the additional charges can result in penalties more than double those for just damaging or interruption of a communication device.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has a record of achieving real results for his clients. His experience includes not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges in Utah.

If you are facing prosecution for damaging or interrupting a communication device or other criminal charges, contact us to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney now.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • 402 Reduction Lawyer Utah 2-Step Reduction - Client needed a two-step reduction to bring a prior conviction to the misdemeanor level. Collection of substantial evidence of reform and rehabilitation convinced a normally reluctant prosecutor to stipulate to the defense 402 reduction motion.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences in Utah Criminal Prosecutions

Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.