{"id":1654,"date":"2020-12-15T22:06:53","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T22:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/?p=1654"},"modified":"2020-12-15T22:06:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T22:06:53","slug":"can-i-be-arrested-for-prank-calling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/can-i-be-arrested-for-prank-calling\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Be Arrested for Prank Calling?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Most Americans have gleeful childhood memories of prank calling neighbors and friends during sleep overs. But have you ever thought about how this seemingly innocent practical joke can lead to real life legal troubles? Generally, children and adolescents who make prank calls are not likely to get in trouble with the law. However, there are some forms of prank calling that could be considered illegal. Whether as a concerned teen who thinks they took a call too far, or a parent who knows their kids enjoy this common, juvenile pastime, it important to be knowledgeable on all possible consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue reading to learn when prank calling crosses the line, and can get you or your child arrested or indicted on criminal charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIndiana Disorderly Conduct Lawyer 317-636-7514<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
When Prank Calling Goes Too Far<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Prank calling, as mentioned, is a common and generally innocent juvenile pastime. In most cases, such calls are perfectly harmless, and in worse case scenarios, really only cause frustration and confusion on the other end of the connection. But there are times when certain types of calling can cross the line into illegal activity. In the case of going too far or crossing the line, the potential types of crimes a prank caller could be charged with include harassment, disorderly conduct, hate crimes, or wiretapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possible Prank Call Criminal Charges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2756 Harassment \u2013<\/strong> The crime of harassment sits on a wide spectrum. When it comes to prank calling specifically, the act can turn into harassment if the calls are persistent, such as consecutive calls in a short period of time or calling every day. They can also be considered harassing if a prank caller is repeatedly calling to make threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2756 Disordering Conduct \u2013<\/strong> Many states, including Indiana, consider making abusive, threatening, or offensive language a form of disorderly conduct, which is an illegal act. Being verbally abusive on a prank call can be against the law, and lead to the arrest of a prank caller if the person being pranked feels threatened or suffers damages like mental trauma or anxiety attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2756 Hate Crimes \u2013<\/strong> When prank calling is about abusing a person or family based on their gender, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, vocation, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic of their life, it can be deemed a hate crime. Hate crimes are illegal, and will be investigated and penalized according to law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2756 Wiretapping \u2013<\/strong> If a prank caller records the conversation without the person\u2019s consent, it can be considered wiretapping. Many states decree wiretapping as against the law, so if caught, a prank caller could face legal penalties, whether the person called presses charges or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Get Criminal Defense for Your Harassment Charges in Indiana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Indiana](\"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Disorderly-Conduct-Lawyer-Indianapolis-IN.jpg\")
![\"Indianapolis](\"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/4-Copy-e1561564766838-1024x447.jpg\")
<\/a>