Electronic Communication Harassment - Telephone Harassment Attorney

Electronic communication harassment, sometimes called "telephone" harassment, is a serious criminal charge punishable by up to six months in jail, a year in jail, or even five years in prison depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If you are facing criminal prosecution for electronic communication harassment or other criminal charges, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard has a record of achieving real results for his clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Penalties for Electronic Communication Harassment in Utah

If committed against an adult, electronic communication harassment is charged as a class B misdemeanor for a first offense (six months in jail as a maximum sentence).  A second offense or a first offense committed against a minor is charged as a class A misdemeanor (one year in jail as a maximum sentence).  Electronic communication harassment becomes a third degree felony (0-5 years in prison possible) if a person has a prior conviction involving a minor, or if it is the person's third offense. The offense can also be charged as a domestic violence offense under some circumstances.

Criminal Charges for Electronic Communication Harassment in Utah

A typical charge of electronic communication harassment involves allegations that a person has repeatedly contacted another person via an electronic form of communication, particularly after they have been told not to contact that other person, with the "intent to annoy, alarm, intimidate, offend, abuse, threaten, harass, frighten, or disrupt the electronic communications of another." Electronic communication harassment can also be charged for a single incident if the person "insults, taunts, or challenges the recipient of the communication or any person at the receiving location in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response;" or "threatens to inflict injury, physical harm, or damage to any person or the property of any person."  More rare, but still covered under the crime of electronic communication harassment is an allegation that a person has caused "disruption, jamming, or overload of an electronic communication system through excessive message traffic or other means utilizing an electronic communication device."

Traditionally, the form of electronic communications available to most people was the telephone, and this offense was referred to as "telephone harassment."  As technology has advanced, the legislature has broadened the scope of the criminal code to include other forms of electronic communications email, fax, and pager communication as well as telephone communication.

Finding a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City

If you have been charged with telephone harassment or electronic communication harassment, you should have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard represents clients throughout Utah. He has the experience and skill to get real results for his clients. His track record speaks for itself.

Contact Stephen Howard now to learn how he can help you.