Making Threats by Phone or telephone convictions can cost you jail time and money. In February of 2016 a Norman man was arrested for making threats by phone.  The man, using the alias Kevin Burbank, would call strangers and threaten their lives over phone with offensive and obscene language.  He would record the messages and post them on his YouTube channel.  At one point the man, who some call the “Norman Phone Terrorist,” brags about being smarter than authorities.  He further says he enjoys “ruining” someone’s day.  The man, eventually caught, is facing felony charges.

Threats by Phone, Electronic Devices

Oklahoma has state laws against threats by phone. In fact, 21 O.S. Section 1172(A) states specifically that it is unlawful for a person to use a telecommunication device to:

1. Contact someone with lewd, indecent, lascivious etc. requests
2. Intentionally contact someone to frighten, terrify, threaten etc. a person or their property
3. Contact a person to put them in fear of severe physical injury or even death
4. Willfully contacting someone anonymously wanting to annoy or harass them and without disclosing the caller’s identity.
5. Allowing someone else to use your telecommunication device for the above purposes
6. Doing any of the above actions in conspiracy with others.

Section (B) further defines what a telecommunication is under law.  Basically, it is any type of electronic that can send a message through writing, images, sounds, radio, etc. So the telecommunication can be from a phone, or from a computer or other electronic device.  This means if you are harassing someone over the computer or even on social media, you may be subject to threats by phone charges.

Read About Other Related Crimes in Wagoner County/interfering with an emergency call

Punishments

For a first threat by phone conviction, you will face misdemeanor penalties.  This can be a jail sentence up to a year and/or fines.
The time and amount of fine will depend on the severity of your actions.  However, a second offense is a felony.  Felony offenses may require a minimum of one year in prison and/or higher fines than a simple misdemeanor.  The felony conviction will also be available publicly on your record for years to come.  It will endanger your chances of having meaningful employment.

We Can Help

Facing charges of threats by phone, computer, or other device?  Our Wagoner criminal attorneys have experience in defending clients against charges like this.  Give our office a call for your free consultation.