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.