911 Interference is charged as a gross misdemeanor. Although not a felony, there are still consequences if convicted, such as loss of an existing job, inability to acquire a future job, issues with background checks, and much more. This is not to mention the possible time in jail and/or the fines that could result.
Nonetheless, the interruption, disruption, and interference with the 911 emergency service must be intentional, as well as possibly prevent another person from making an emergency call. In other words, the call must be considered “interference” and it must be an intentional act. If it prevents another call from being answered in a timely manner or at all, the other incoming call must be a true emergency call in itself. Your Minnesota 911 Interference attorney can help you prove the facts behind the call by investigating the situation, any recordings, and taking witness statements regarding the incident.
Emergency Calls
According to the State of Minnesota, an emergency call must meet one of the following: A 911 call in need of emergency assistance, a call for a medical emergency or an ambulance service, and a call for assistance from the police, fire department, or another emergency service. The call must also be one seeking emergency assistance to avoid serious harm to property or a person.
If the call meets any of the aforementioned criteria, then it is possible to have the charges dismissed, especially when there is a question as to what truly constitutes an emergency. What may be considered an emergency may not be interpreted as such by another person. It is not at all uncommon for someone to think a situation is an emergency for it to then be found it was not an emergency after all. There are also cases when individuals accidentally call 911. Kids even initiate pranks to 911, not thinking about the consequences and not knowing that it is a crime or possibly risking the lives of others. There are a lot of questions that surround this particular offense.
911 Interference Consequences
If it is found that you did interfere with 911 services, then there are consequences. The sentence is up to one year in prison and fines up to $3,000. The conviction is also placed on your permanent record, which can be seen by landlords, schools, financial institutions, employers, and insurance companies. Avoiding the conviction and the collateral damage that comes with it is why it is important to have a Minneapolis 911 interference lawyer is needed.
911 Interference is a serious offense, as it involves the disrupting of a public service. If you have been accused of this crime, you need an attorney to help you prove that you did not intend any harm or did not commit the crime. To learn more about what Mark Herman, Attorney at Law can do for you, call 24/7 at 612-382-4545 for a free consultation.
