California Penal Code 591 PC – Damaging Phone or Electrical Lines
There are situations when people are in arguments, and they're fighting and threatening each other, and there's violence involved, and one party damages a phone line.
For example, I pull the phone line from the wall or do something else while the other party tries to call 9-1-1 to protect themselves.
Then, that person will not only likely be charged with some domestic violence charge but will also be charged with Penal Code Section 591, which is a serious offense related to damaging a phone line.
This includes any line — when the other party is trying to get help for themselves in an emergency during a domestic violence case.
Defending PC 591 Damaging Phone Line
One potential defense is if it's your own house or apartment, you certainly can't be charged with vandalism, which would be the usual charge when you start damaging phone lines.
But if you're doing that and you're pulling the phone out of the wall, even if it's your phone line, and there's a victim involved regarding a domestic violence situation, you can and will be charged with Penal Code Section 591.
If you end up hitting the other person and hurting them in any way, then you'll likely be charged with Penal Code Section 273.5, which is the domestic violence code section for corporal injury to a spouse.
The prosecutors like to charge a bunch of charges in these domestic violence cases, and the more things that the person who ends up being criminally charged or the defendant in the case, the more charges the prosecutors will heap on them, potentially leading to severe legal consequences.
Types of Domestic Violence Charges
Fortunately, for most people, damaging a phone line is relatively easy. The more severe charge is any battery.
Penal Code Section 243(e) states that if you make offensive contact or conduct toward other people, Penal Code Section 273.5 states that you actually hurt the other person.
They charge all sorts of crimes. Let's say you threaten a person and rip their phone out — threaten to kill them — they'll charge you with Penal Code Section 422, which is a criminal threat, and that can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.
So, the bottom line is, if you or a loved one is charged with any domestic violence-related offense in Los Angeles and they've added in this charge of damaging a phone line, I encourage you to pick up the phone and make the call.
Could you ask to speak to attorney Ron Hedding? We can set up a meeting, and I will do everything I can to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need.
Contact He Hedding Law Firm for Help
There are defenses to some of these crimes, but you will be defending yourself, and you cannot rip the phone out of the wall to prevent somebody from calling 9-1-1.
That's the whole point of the Penal Code Section 591 charge. So, ensure you don't do anything else if you've just been arrested.
You don't want to go back to the house and have any other problems. Hire an attorney as soon as possible. I'm ready to help. Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles County at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436.
