FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

Fake 911 Call
(Can I Really Go to Jail for Pranking the 911 Call?)

Prank calling 911 might seem like a fun idea, but these types of calls can cause panic or prevent law enforcement from responding to an actual crisis. In fact, one prank call to 911 can lead to serious fines and even jail time.
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Confidential Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Free Case Review

Consequences for Making a 911 Prank Call

Making a prank phone call to 911 is a serious crime, punishable by jail time and significant fines. Calling 911 for any reason other than reporting an actual emergency is against the law. However, the legal consequences you will face are determined on a state-by-state basis.

What Happens if You Call 911 Accidentally and Hang Up?

If you call 911, as soon as you hit the send button the call will be completed no matter how fast you hang up. Once you're in the 911 system, you can't get out until a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatcher answers the call. Stay on the line and tell the operator your situation.

What is Swatting?

Swatting is a type of harassment in which attackers try to trick police forces into sending forces to a victim's home or business. People who engage in swatting usually tell the police that the victim is a violent criminal or is holding hostages. These sorts of reports cause police to act quickly, usually without verifying the report, to stop the supposed criminal as fast as possible.

Consequences of Swatting?

Federal laws consider swatting a serious crime in which a conviction can result in years in prison. The punishment for swatting offenses varies between jurisdictions. A misdemeanor offense where no one was injured might be punished by up to a year in county jail in some states. When someone is harmed, the punishment is going to be greater. In California, for example, a swatting offense that leads to serious injury or death carries a sentence of up to 3 years in prison.

What is Doxing?

Doxing refers to the act of revealing identifying information about a person online, such as their real name, home address, workplace, phone, financial, and other personal information. That information is then circulated to the public — without the victim's permission.

Read Also:

Hiring an experienced lawyer to fight your charges may cost less than accepting a guilty plea without contesting, so don't hesitate and call a criminal defense attorney at Schmidt & Clark for a free case evaluation.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

 

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.