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.

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....
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