Utah Interrupt of Electronic Communication Lawyer

In Utah, it is against the law to interrupt any electronic communication device. A charge involving interruption of electronic communication devices can come with fines and a spot on your record. Do not face this charge alone, let Weber Law help you today.

What is the Statute? 

Under Utah Code §76-6-108, a communication device means any device, including but not limited to:

• A telephone;
• A cell phone;
• A computer; or
• Radio.

Additionally, using these communication devices to summon police, fire, medical, or other emergency aid. A person is guilty of damage to or interruption of a communication device if the actor attempts to prohibit or interrupt, or prohibits or interrupts, another person’s use of communication device when the other person is attempting to summon emergency aid or has communicated a desire to summon emergency aid.

These types of acts of destruction, obstruction, or delaying could include but are not limited to, pulling a phone line out of a house, cutting a phone line, destroying a communication device, or taking, damaging, or disabling a phone out of someone’s hands who is trying to call for help or has voiced the desire to call for help or emergency aid. Help can include, medical, law enforcement, and fire department. Often times this charge can be coupled with other charges, including domestic violence, battery, and breaking and entering.

What is the Penalty?

Damage to or interruption of a communication device in the state of Utah is a class B misdemeanor.

A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

This citation can be charged in addition to other criminal charges, including but not limited to, fleeing the scene of an accident, domestic violence, or sexual assault. When other charges are involved, the fines and jail time add up quickly.

How Can You Fight It?

If you have been cited with damage to or interruption of a communication device in the state of Utah, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount, making sure the charge doesn’t go on your record, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By using defenses that have been successful in the past, for example, being falsely accused of obstruction, being falsely cited for obstruction, mistakenly or unknowingly interrupting the communication, Weber Law will create a strong defense for you. At Weber Law we are experienced in defending these charges, winning these cases, and getting you back to everyday life. While these types of charges can seem small, it is always a good idea to seek legal advice to keep your record as clean as possible. The court room can be an intimidating place, do not face it alone, let Weber Law’s team of experienced attorney’s take the stress and worry away from having a pending criminal charge. If you or anyone you know has been cited with interruption of an electronic communication device in the state of Utah, call Weber Law today for a consultation. 

• Utah Code § 76-6-108, damage to or interruption of a communication device — penalty
• Utah Code § 76-3-204, misdemeanor conviction – term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-3-301, fines of individuals