William G. Yarborough

Swatting is a deadly crime with severe consequences

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Pranks can be good fun if they don’t end with someone hurt. But some malicious pranks have crossed the line into criminal territory because they’ve led to severe injuries and even deaths. One such prank is swatting.

A criminal offense that has gained notoriety in recent years, “swatting” refers to making a fake emergency services call to convince dispatchers to send police to another person’s home. It’s usually performed with the intent to harass another person, but several swatting cases have resulted instead in the deaths of innocent people.

Swatting has become such a pressing issue that according to the Anti-Defamation League, there are about 1,000 swatting incidents in America each year. Each swatting incident is estimated to have cost at least $10,000 to the communities affected.

Making a hoax emergency call is a federal crime; anyone caught attempting to swat can face multiple criminal charges.

Federal laws on swatting

A federal court can prosecute a person arrested for swatting under several different statutes, including:

  • Making threatening interstate communications: Per law, using interstate communications to send threats to another person is illegal. A conviction can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment of up to five years.
  • Conspiracy to retaliate against a person: While the specific federal statute mainly deals with people accused of retaliating against witnesses, victims or informants, swatters can also face charges under the law. If the swatting led to the other person’s death, the convicted must serve a life imprisonment sentence.

The person accused of swatting may face additional charges depending on whether they used illegal means to obtain their victim’s contact details or had conspired with others for the offense.

Fake calls lead to real criminal penalties

Swatting might seem like a harmless prank, but the act can lead to violence and death. Not to mention, prank calls cost taxpayers their money. Anyone convicted of swatting potentially faces a life sentence, so those facing charges must carefully consider their legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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