California Penal Code Section 653M

Definition

Telephone Harassment  under California Penal Code Section 653 M, is a criminal offense and it is normally filed as a misdemeanor. Telephone Harassment is as its name suggests, the pestering of an individual through electronic devices, and also using explicit language, or using threat. These messages can either be delivered through telephoning or texting another party.

Examples of Electronic Devices:

·         Mobile phones

·         Video phones

·         A facsimile

·         A personal computer

It should be noted that this act can be performed on any kind of telephone, or any device that conveys a signal.

Elements of the Crime

In order to take a Telephone Harassment  CPC 653 M case to trial, certain elements of the crime will have to be proven. This includes:

·         That the defendant corresponded with another individual by telephone or another form of electronic tool

·         That the defendant intentionally did this to offend, pester or be a nuisance to the receiving individual

·         That the defendant did this on multiple  instances

Punishments for CPC 653 M

These penalties are to be determined by a judge and he/she will make a decision based on the circumstances surrounding the case. When found guilty of  Telephone Harassment, it is usually filed as a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one thousand dollars in fines and up to one year in jail.

Legal Defenses for California Penal Code 653 M

A good lawyer can present many legal and valid defenses for Telephone Harassment  charges under California Penal Code 653 M to prove someone’s innocence. MacGregor and Collins is based in Orange County, California, and has successfully defended  those who were falsely accused of Telephone Harassment . Call (949) 250-6097 to speak to a lawyer, should you be on trial for Telephone Harassment .

Learn more about other California Section Penal Codes here.