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Threatening Phone Calls
Threatening Phone Calls
I have been charged with harassing someone by phone calls or text. What will happen to me?
The legal term for the charge is “Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence” which means you have been accused of contacting or attempting to contact a person by phone in a manner that the victim alleges is threatening and harassing. You might be accused of making numerous calls or text messages to the victim or even a single telephone call may be deemed harassment depending on what was said and the circumstances.
What will the Police do?
The Police will usually obtain your telephone records from your service provider in order to check what calls or texts were made from your phone. The Police will obtain a statement from the victim and also examine their phone records to verify the victim’s allegations against you. The Police may also apply for an order against you to stop you attempting to contact the victim.
What should I do?
It is important that you immediately stop contacting the person making the allegations, and seek legal advice and representation. If you plead guilty, your lawyer will work to ensure that you receive the most lenient penalty available to the Court. If you are pleading not guilty, your lawyer will make sure that the Court has all the facts; explain, your side of the story and cross-examine the alleged victim, if necessary. Sometimes, of course, allegations can be entirely false, and your lawyer will challenge the alleged victim’s version of events.
Penalties
The penalties for making harassing and threatening phone calls can include a prison sentence of up to 3 years.
Laura Turner
Senior Associate
Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.
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