In Florida, interfering with a 911 call is a serious criminal offense. This crime occurs when an individual intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent another person from making an emergency phone call to law enforcement, fire services, or medical personnel. Common examples include destroying a phone, grabbing a phone out of someone’s hands, or physically stopping someone from dialing 911 during a domestic dispute or violent encounter.
A conviction for interfering with a 911 call can carry severe consequences. Prosecutors treat this offense as a way of obstructing justice and endangering the safety of victims. Penalties can include jail time, probation, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Gainesville Interfering with a 911 Call Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of interfering with a 911 call in Florida, you need to act quickly to protect your future. A conviction can complicate your life, particularly if it is tied to related charges like domestic violence or battery.
Dean Galigani of the Galigani Law Firm has years of experience defending clients in Gainesville and throughout Florida against serious criminal charges. He understands the tactics prosecutors use in these cases and knows how to build a strong defense strategy for his clients.
Contact the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 for a free consultation if you are facing interfering with 911 call charges in Gainesville, Ocala, or Lake City.
Information Center
- Definition of Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
- Penalties for Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
- Defenses to Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
- Key Elements a Jury Considers in Interfering with 911 Call Cases
- Connection Between Interfering with a 911 Call and Domestic Violence
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Definition of Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
Under Florida Statutes § 914.22 and related obstruction provisions, interfering with a 911 call occurs when a person knowingly and intentionally prevents, obstructs, or hinders someone from contacting emergency services.
Examples include:
- Destroying or disabling a phone during a domestic incident.
- Taking away a phone while someone is trying to call for help.
- Using force, threats, or intimidation to stop another person from calling 911.
This law exists to ensure that individuals in emergency situations can access vital help when they need it. Even minor interference can result in arrest if law enforcement believes it was intentional.
Penalties for Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
Interfering with a 911 call is typically prosecuted as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. Penalties may include:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to 1 year of probation
- Fines of up to $1,000
However, the penalties can increase if the interference occurs alongside other charges, such as domestic violence, assault, or battery. Prosecutors often argue that interfering with a 911 call shows intent to further a crime or to prevent a victim from receiving help.
In some cases, if violence or repeated interference is involved, additional charges may elevate the case to a felony, increasing the potential penalties significantly.
Defenses to Interfering with a 911 Call in Florida
Not all allegations of interfering with a 911 call are accurate or legally sufficient. Common defenses include:
- Lack of Intent — The prosecution must prove the interference was intentional. Accidentally knocking a phone away, for example, does not meet the standard.
- False Accusations — Many cases arise in heated domestic disputes where accusations may be exaggerated or fabricated.
- Insufficient Evidence — Without clear proof, such as witness testimony, police reports, or physical evidence, prosecutors may not be able to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Constitutional Violations — If police violated your rights during arrest or investigation, evidence may be excluded.
Key Elements a Jury Considers in Interfering with 911 Call Cases
- Proof of Intent — Jurors must decide if the defendant intentionally prevented or attempted to prevent a call for emergency services.
- Circumstances of the Incident — Was the interference part of a larger altercation, such as domestic violence, or was it a misunderstanding?
- Credibility of Witnesses — Jurors often rely on testimony from the alleged victim and responding officers. Consistency and reliability of accounts are key.
- Physical Evidence — Damaged phones, call logs, or 911 operator testimony may support or refute the allegations.
Connection Between Interfering with a 911 Call and Domestic Violence
In Florida, interfering with a 911 call is most often charged alongside domestic violence-related offenses such as assault, battery, or stalking. When law enforcement responds to a domestic disturbance, they frequently find that one party allegedly tried to stop the other from seeking help. For example, grabbing a phone during a heated argument or smashing a device while someone attempts to dial 911 are common scenarios that lead to these charges.
Prosecutors often argue that interfering with a 911 call demonstrates a conscious effort to silence a victim and prevent authorities from intervening. This makes the offense particularly serious, as it is viewed as an attempt to escalate or conceal domestic abuse. As a result, defendants facing both domestic violence and 911 interference charges may encounter harsher penalties, stricter protective orders, and less leniency during plea negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is interfering with a 911 call a felony in Florida?
Most cases are first-degree misdemeanors, but aggravated circumstances or related charges can elevate the offense to a felony.
Can interfering with a 911 call be charged along with domestic violence?
Yes. Prosecutors frequently add this charge to domestic violence cases, claiming the interference was an attempt to silence the victim.
What if the alleged interference was accidental?
Accidental conduct, such as bumping into someone and causing them to drop their phone, does not meet the intent requirement for this crime.
Can I be arrested even if no emergency call was actually made?
Yes. The law criminalizes attempts to interfere, so preventing someone from dialing 911—even if no call was completed—can still result in charges.
Additional Resources
Florida Courts – Criminal Procedure – Provides resources on criminal trials, legal rights, and defense in Florida.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – A confidential resource for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, which often overlaps with 911 interference cases.
Gainesville Interfering with a 911 Call Defense Lawyer | Alachua County, FL
If you are facing charges for interfering with a 911 call in Florida, you do not have to face the system alone. These charges can carry lifelong consequences, especially if tied to domestic violence accusations.
Contact the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 for a free consultation. Dean Galigani represents clients throughout Alachua County, Marion County, Levy County, Bradford County, and surrounding areas. He is prepared to fight aggressively for your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
