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Domestic Violence: Damage to or Interruption of a Communications Device


Damage to or Interruption of a Communications Device: Domestic Violence Attorneys



Legal Definition:

Damage to or interruption of a communication device (domestic violence) is the commission or attempt to commit damage or interruption of a communication device by one cohabitant against another.

Damage to or Interruption of a Communications Device (Domestic Violence)

Utah Code §76-6-108 & Utah Code §77-36-1

Degree

Class B misdemeanor.

Elements

A defendant commits damage to or interruption of a communication device (domestic violence) if they attempt to prohibit or interrupt, or prohibit or interrupt, another person's use of a communication device when the other person is attempting to summon emergency aid or has communicated a desire to summon emergency aid, and in the process the defendant:

  • uses force, intimidation, or ay other form of violence;
  • destroys, disables, or damages a communication device;
  • or commits any other act in an attempt to prohibit or interrupt the person's use of a communication device to summon emergency aid.
Fine

Class B misdemeanor: A fine not to exceed $1,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(d), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)

Restitution

The court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-38a-301)

Imprisonment

Class B misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 6 months.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(2))

Bail

Because of the unique and highly emotional nature of domestic violence crimes, the high recidivism rate of violent offenders, and the demonstrated increased risk of continued acts of violence subsequent to the release of an offender who has been arrested for domestic violence, it was the finding of the Utah Legislature that domestic violence crimes, are crimes for which bail may be denied if there is substantial evidence to support the charge, and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that he alleged perpetrator would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of domestic violence if released on bail.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-6-2.5(12))

Addition Sentence for Domestic Violence

In addition to penalties otherwise provided by law, the court may:

  • Order defendant to participate in an electronic or other type of monitoring program; and/or
  • Order defendant to pay all or part of the costs of counseling incurred by the victim and any children affected by or exposed to the domestic violence offense;

The court will:

  • Order cost of any services or treatment provided to the victim and affected children of the victim; and
  • Order the defendant to obtain and satisfactorily complete treatment or therapy in a domestic violence treatment program, that is licensed by Utah’s Department of Human Services, unless the court finds that there is no licensed program reasonably available or that the treatment or therapy is not necessary.
    (Utah Code Ann. §77-36-5(3)(4) and (5))
Firearms

A defendant convicted of damaging or interruption a communications device (domestic violence) may not posses, use or have control of a firearm or ammunition for life.
(18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9))


Other Criminal Charges

Learn more about crimes related to Damage to or Interruption of a Communications Device (Domestic Violence). If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (801) 505-1586.