
Issuing widespread alerts (such as an Amber Alert).The person doing the swatting intends to create an emergency response, so they report severe crimes such as bomb threats or active shooters.Įxamples of law enforcement responses that occur as a result of swatting include: It is the act of making a prank call to emergency personnel in an attempt to bring a large number of armed officers to a specific location. Swatting is a type of prank call that involves more malicious intent. Punishments for this type of felony include up to $10,000 in fines and three years in county jail.įor a free legal consultation, call (310) 928-9347 Prank Calls vs. However, if you make a fake 911 call that causes severe bodily injury or wrongful death, your misdemeanor can increase to a felony. The statute lists prank emergency calls as a misdemeanor that can result in $1,000 in fines and up to one year in county jail.
#PRANK CALLING CODE#
The penal code makes it illegal for California residents to report or cause someone else to report an emergency that is knowingly fake to a government agency. In California, Penal Code (PC) §148.3 lists the specific penalties for making a prank 911 call. However, the specific criminal penalties you may face will be determined by your state. Calling 911 for any reason other than reporting an actual emergency is not allowed. Simply put: making a prank 911 phone call constitutes a crime, making it punishable with jail time and significant fines. Consequences You Face for Making a Prank 911 Call

Therefore, one prank call can lead to hefty fines and jail sentences. Prank calls can cause panic or prevent law enforcement from responding to an actual crisis.

Yes, you can go to jail for making a 911 prank phone call.
