Annoying Phone Calls California Penal Code 653 (m)
California Penal Code 653 (m )is the California law for prank phone calls or just general annoying calls. There are three elements to annoying calls. They are 1) Making a call or any other electronic communication 2) Offensive language, threats or constant calls 3) Intent to annoy. There are 3 defenses to annoying calls.
Defenses
The defenses are
- 1) Lack of intent to annoy
- 2) The language used during the phone call isn’t considered to be offensive
- 3) or claim insanity.
Penalties
Pursuant to the California Penal Code 653 m of making annoying phone calls is a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is 6 months in county jail and/ or fine up to $1,000.