Minnesota Interference With a 911 Call Defense
One heated moment. One grabbed phone. Now you’re facing a gross misdemeanor.
Charged After a Heated Moment?
Interference with a 911 call charges often follow a single, emotional moment: someone reaches for a phone, voices get loud, a device gets grabbed or knocked away, and suddenly the police are at the door. When officers arrive, they may arrest first and sort out the details later. That can leave you facing a gross misdemeanor even when there was no serious injury and no intent to harm anyone. At Davis Defense Lawyers, we know these cases are rarely as simple as the police report makes them sound. We take the time to understand what really happened, how emotions were running high, and whether the incident is being exaggerated, misunderstood, or used for leverage in a separate dispute.
What Can Count as Interference With a 911 Call?
Under Minnesota law, interference with a 911 call can include many different actions. Common allegations we see include:
- Grabbing or taking a phone out of someone’s hand during an argument.
- Hanging up while the other person is trying to call 911.
- Throwing, breaking, or hiding a phone during a dispute.
- Blocking someone’s path to a phone or preventing them from leaving to get help.
- Yelling or threatening someone to stop them from calling 911.
- Stopping a child from calling 911 when they are scared or confused.
Potential Consequences
Interference with a 911 call is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor. That means you may face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $3,000
- Probation, treatment, or counseling requirements
- No-contact orders that remove you from your home or family
- A permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and future background checks
Defenses to Interference With a 911 Call
Every case is different, but there are recurring themes in 911 interference charges. Andrew examines the 911 recordings, dispatch logs, body camera footage, text messages, and witness statements to look for defenses such as:
- No intent to interfere The phone was dropped, knocked aside, or damaged accidentally.
- No actual interference The call went through, help arrived, or the person had other ways to call.
- Exaggerated or false allegations The accusation is being used in a divorce, custody dispute, or to gain leverage.
- Self-defense or defense of others You acted to prevent harm, not to stop a legitimate request for help.
- Conflicting stories Witnesses or the alleged victim give inconsistent accounts of what happened.
Often Added to Domestic and Assault Cases
Interference with a 911 call is frequently charged alongside domestic assault or other assault-related offenses. Police sometimes add it as an extra charge when they believe a phone was touched, moved, or taken during a dispute. That makes it especially important to have a lawyer who understands how these cases are built and how to challenge assumptions baked into the police report. Andrew has years of experience defending domestic-related charges in Minnesota and knows how interference with a 911 call fits into the bigger picture of your case, including bail, no-contact orders, and long-term consequences.
What to Do If You’re Charged With Interference With a 911 Call
Taking the right steps early can make a major difference in your case:
- Do not discuss the incident with police, the alleged victim, or on social media. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately so you understand the charge, possible penalties, and your options.
- Follow any no-contact orders or release conditions strictly, even if the other person asks you to ignore them.
- Save any evidence that may help, including text messages, call logs, voicemails, or witness contact information.
- Work closely with your attorney to prepare for court, explore defenses, and decide whether to negotiate a resolution or contest the charge.
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Minnesota Interference With a 911 Call FAQ
What is “interference with a 911 call” in Minnesota?
Interference with a 911 call generally means intentionally blocking or interrupting someone’s attempt to contact emergency services. This can include grabbing a phone, hanging up, breaking the phone, hiding it, or threatening someone to stop them from calling 911 during an emergency situation.
Is interference with a 911 call a felony?
In most cases, interference with a 911 call is charged as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $3,000. Depending on the circumstances and accompanying charges, the overall exposure in your case can be much higher.
Can I be charged even if no one was hurt?
Yes. You can be charged with interference with a 911 call even if no one is injured and even if no assault charge is filed. Prosecutors often add this charge when police respond to domestic calls or disputes, even where the underlying incident is minor or disputed.
What if I only took the phone for a second or hung up once?
The law focuses on intent. If the state claims you intentionally interfered with someone’s attempt to call for help, they may still file charges. A defense lawyer can argue that any interference was accidental, brief, or not intended to stop a legitimate emergency call.
Do I need a lawyer if it’s “just” a gross misdemeanor?
Yes. A gross misdemeanor still carries up to a year in jail, thousands of dollars in fines, and a permanent criminal record. Because interference with a 911 call is often tied to domestic allegations, it can also affect no-contact orders, housing, employment, and family court issues.