We all get angry, but sometimes keeping your cool can ensure you stay out of trouble and out of jail.
This is even true when it comes to threatening or harassing others over the phone or other means of communications.
Although not a violent crime, using obscenity, threats or harassment by telephone or other electronic communication is a serious offense in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. A conviction can have far-reaching consequences, including months behind bars and large fines.
Defining the Crime
Obscenity, threats, or harassment by electronic communication penalizes an extensive range of activities.
Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to engage in the following activities over the phone or by other forms of communication (including E-mail, instant messages, and text messages) if you have the intent to threaten or harass another person:
1. Making any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal, which is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent.
2. Making a telecommunication or other electronic communication with intent to terrify, intimidate or harass, or threaten to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or property of that person.
3. Making a telecommunication or other electronic communication, whether or not conversation ensues, with intent to put the party called in fear of physical harm or death.
4. Making a telecommunication or other electronic communication, whether or not conversation ensues, without disclosing the identity of the person making the call or communication and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person at the called number.
5. Knowingly permitting any telecommunication or other electronic communication under the control of the person to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section.
6. In conspiracy or concerted action with other persons, making repeated calls or electronic communications or simultaneous calls or electronic communications solely to harass any person at the called number(s).
Penalties for Harassment by Telephone
Anyone found guilty of this crime will have a misdemeanor conviction and will face up to 12 months in county jail.
Anyone who commits this crime a second time will be charged with a felony and will serve at least 12 months in prison.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Harassment Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know needs to speak with a criminal defense lawyer regarding a obscenity, threats, or harassment by telephone charge or any other assault charge, call 918-756-9600 for a low-cost strategy session at the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee.
Or, enter your legal question or concern in the form at the top right of this page, and one of our attorneys will promptly return your message.
