Many teenagers and young adults make prank calls when they get together with friends. People usually try to have fun in their free time by making such calls. It is, however, a risky activity that can sometimes, lead to unexpected legal charges and land the caller in hot legal water.
Let’s have a look at some cases when a prank is considered illegal.
1. Harassing Prank Calls
The most applicable legal law to prank calls is harassment. Making a late-night call to some random stranger might sound funny. It is, however, against the law to call someone late at night and make nasty remarks. If you call someone several times a day, the receiver might feel threatened and file a complaint against you.
Besides, if someone makes phone calls with their computer, the police can also charge them with computer harassment crime or cyberstalking.
2. Disorderly Conduct
When you call a random person and use abusive language to arouse anger, it is considered disorderly conduct under American law. Police can charge a person under disorderly conduct if they “disturb the peace.”
3. Wiretapping
Recording a telephone conversation with someone without their consent is not just unethical, it’s a severe violation of American law. Violations of the Privacy of Communication is an illegal act, and the police can even arrest you if they find you engaged in such an act.
4. Hate Crimes
If a prank call is made to abuse someone on the basis of their appearance, religion, race, or ethnicity it can be deemed a hate crime. Hate calls and crimes are usually performed because of prejudice against ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Mocking a person for their voice or any other aspect of their personality is a serious crime. It is similar to harassment; however, the motive is different. Calling a person to intimidate them is considered violence.
Consult an Attorney
If you have been hurt by a prank call, or need any legal assistance in this regard, contact The Lincoln Law Group.
At The Lincoln Law, we have experienced lawyers on board who are always there to help people with their legal claims. We also have immigration attorneys, tax lawyers, criminal lawyers, child custody lawyers onboard in Silver Springs, Baltimore, Towson, and Montgomery County.
Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.