CONSULTATIONS (352) 593-4115

Interfering With a 911 Call Charges in Florida

Interfering with a 911 call is treated as a serious criminal offense in Florida because it directly impacts public safety and emergency response. These cases most commonly arise in domestic disputes, heated arguments, or chaotic situations where one person allegedly prevents another from contacting emergency services. Even brief interference, such as grabbing a phone, disconnecting a call, or intimidating someone from calling, can result in arrest and criminal charges.

Florida prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, particularly when they occur in domestic violence contexts. The allegation alone can trigger mandatory arrest, no-contact orders, and immediate court involvement, even if no physical violence occurred.

If you are being investigated or charged with interfering with a 911 call in Florida, the consequences can escalate quickly. Early legal representation is critical to protect your rights and challenge the state’s version of events.

Interfering With a 911 Call Defense Lawyer in Hernando County, Florida

If you were accused of interfering with a 911 call in Hernando County or the surrounding counties of Citrus, Sumter, or Pasco County, Florida, contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. immediately. These cases often move quickly and are frequently tied to domestic violence allegations.

With over 20 years of experience, Ashley Aulls defends individuals accused of serious criminal offenses involving alleged interference, intimidation, or obstruction. He understands how law enforcement builds these cases and how often they rely on incomplete or emotionally charged accounts.

Call (352) 593-4115 today for a confidential consultation.

Overview of Interfering with a 911 Call in Brooksville, Florida

Back to Top

Definition of Interfering With a 911 Call Under Florida Law

Interfering with a 911 call is governed by Florida Statute § 365.172(14). The statute makes it a criminal offense to knowingly and willfully prevent or attempt to prevent another person from placing a call to 911 during an emergency.

The prosecution must generally establish that:

  • A person attempted to call or was calling 911
  • The defendant knowingly interfered with or prevented the call
  • The interference occurred during an emergency situation

Interference does not require physical violence. Actions such as taking a phone, disconnecting a call, blocking access to a phone, or intimidating someone into hanging up may all be alleged as interference.

Back to Top

Common Situations Leading to Interference Allegations

Interfering with a 911 call charges commonly arise from:

  • Domestic disputes or arguments between partners or family members
  • Attempts to stop someone from calling police during a confrontation
  • Grabbing or throwing a phone during an argument
  • Threatening or intimidating someone to prevent them from calling for help
  • Disconnecting a phone call already in progress
  • Blocking access to a phone or preventing someone from leaving to make a call

Many cases involve conflicting accounts of what occurred, particularly in emotionally charged situations.

Back to Top

How Interfering With a 911 Call Relates to Domestic Violence Cases

Interfering with a 911 call is most frequently charged in the context of alleged domestic violence incidents. Florida law enforcement agencies are trained to treat these situations with heightened urgency because preventing access to emergency services is viewed as a serious risk to victim safety.

Mandatory Arrest and Immediate Court Involvement

In domestic situations, officers responding to the scene often make an arrest based solely on probable cause that interference occurred. Even when there are conflicting stories or minimal evidence, police may arrest first and allow the courts to sort out the facts later.

Once an arrest is made, the case is typically fast-tracked into court, often alongside or in connection with domestic violence allegations. Judges may issue immediate no-contact orders, restrict access to the shared residence, and impose strict pretrial conditions.

Use of Interference Allegations to Strengthen Domestic Cases

Prosecutors frequently use interfering with a 911 call charges to reinforce domestic violence cases. Even when physical evidence of abuse is limited or disputed, an interference allegation may be used to suggest control, intimidation, or consciousness of guilt.

In some cases, the interference charge becomes the primary offense when the underlying domestic violence allegation is weak or cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Low Threshold for Allegations During Domestic Disputes

Domestic arguments are often chaotic, emotional, and fast-moving. Actions such as grabbing a phone during an argument, disconnecting a call in frustration, or arguing while someone attempts to dial 911 can be interpreted as criminal interference, even if there was no intent to prevent emergency assistance.

Because of the emotional nature of these situations, statements made at the scene are often inconsistent or exaggerated. Law enforcement and prosecutors may still rely heavily on initial accusations when filing charges.

Impact on Family and Living Arrangements

When interference charges arise from a domestic dispute, the consequences extend beyond the criminal case. No-contact orders may prevent communication with a spouse or partner, restrict parenting time, and force one party to leave the home.

These restrictions often remain in place while the case is pending, even if the alleged victim later recants or requests dismissal. This makes early legal representation especially important.

Back to Top

Penalties for Interfering With a 911 Call in Florida

Interfering with a 911 call is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.

Potential penalties include:

  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Misdemeanor criminal record

Additional Consequences: In many cases, especially those involving domestic disputes, additional consequences may apply:

  • Mandatory arrest at the scene
  • No-contact orders or injunctions for protection
  • Probation with restrictive conditions
  • Mandatory counseling or anger management programs
  • Firearm restrictions while the case is pending
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Even when no physical harm occurred, these cases can significantly impact housing, employment, and family relationships.

Back to Top

Defenses to Interfering With a 911 Call Charges

  • No interference occurred: The defense may argue that the accused did not prevent or attempt to prevent a 911 call. Misunderstandings during chaotic situations are common, and the state must prove actual interference.
  • Lack of intent: The statute requires knowing and willful conduct. Accidental phone disconnections or unintentional actions do not satisfy this element.
  • No emergency existed: Interference must occur during an emergency. If no qualifying emergency was present, the charge may be legally defective.
  • False or exaggerated allegations: These cases often rely on statements made during emotional disputes. Motive, bias, and credibility of the accuser are frequently key issues.
  • Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove the call was being made or attempted and that the defendant caused the interference. Lack of phone records or corroboration can weaken the case.
  • Illegal arrest or procedural violations: Law enforcement must still comply with constitutional requirements. Violations may affect admissibility of evidence or statements.

Back to Top

Role of a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Evaluating the alleged interference: An attorney examines exactly what actions are alleged and whether they meet the statutory definition of interference. Many cases involve conduct that does not legally qualify as a crime.
  • Reviewing 911 and phone records: Defense counsel analyzes call logs, recordings, and timestamps to challenge the state’s version of events.
  • Challenging credibility and motive: Attorneys scrutinize statements made by accusers and witnesses, particularly in domestic or family disputes.
  • Addressing no-contact orders: Counsel works to modify or dissolve restrictive conditions that may affect housing, parenting, or employment.
  • Negotiating resolution: When appropriate, an attorney may seek dismissal, reduction, or diversion rather than a criminal conviction.
  • Trial representation: If the case proceeds, defense counsel challenges the prosecution’s evidence and highlights reasonable doubt.

Back to Top

Key Elements the Jury Considers

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

  • A 911 call was being made or attempted
  • An emergency existed
  • The defendant knowingly interfered with the call
  • The interference actually prevented or attempted to prevent the call

Failure to prove any element requires acquittal.

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to physically take the phone to be charged?
 No. Any intentional act that prevents or attempts to prevent a 911 call may be alleged as interference.

Is this charge always related to domestic violence?
 No, but many cases arise from domestic disputes, which often increases scrutiny and consequences.

Can charges be filed even if the call eventually went through?
 Yes. Attempted interference may still result in criminal charges.

Should I speak to police if accused?
 You should not make statements without consulting a criminal defense attorney.

Back to Top

Additional Resources

Florida Statute § 365.172 – Emergency Communications Number “911” – This statute governs Florida’s 911 emergency system and includes the provision criminalizing interference with emergency calls.

Florida’s Partnership to End Domestic Violence – This organization provides information on domestic violence laws and policies, which frequently intersect with interference charges.

Back to Top

Finding an Interfering With a 911 Call Defense Attorney in Hernando County, Florida

Interfering with a 911 call allegations often arise suddenly and can carry immediate legal and personal consequences. These cases are frequently built on emotional accounts and incomplete evidence.

The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. represents individuals charged with interfering with a 911 call throughout Brooksville and Hernando County, Florida, as well as Inverness in Citrus County, New Port Richey and Dade City in Pasco County, and Bushnell in Sumter County.

If you are facing charges or investigation for interfering with a 911 call, do not wait. Call (352) 593-4115 today to discuss your case and protect your rights.