Q: Is the statue for interrupting a 911 call beyond a reasonable doubt to be found guilty or other form?

Witness to testify it did not happen.

1 Lawyer Answer

A: Before a defendant can be sentenced to any period of incarceration, pursuant to a criminal statute or ordinance, each and every element of that crime must be proved to a trier of fact (meaning a judge or jury) by the standard “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

This concept involving how strong or persuasive the evidence must be before someone can be convicted after a trial is called the “burden of proof.” In the United States a criminal defendant is NOT required to prove their innocence. The burden of proof falls squarely on the shoulders of the prosecution (the city prosecutor, the assistant district attorney, the the Assistant United States Attorney).

So the answer to your question is, yes, they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt each and every element of the crime of “Interference with an Emergency Telephone Call” before the defendant could be found guilty and considerations of punishment entertained.

Gary Johnston Dean agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.