The criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service is a Commonwealth criminal offence that can lead to serious consequences. Criminal Lawyers Group have been nationally recognised as the top criminal law firm in NSW for securing the best outcomes for clients who have been charged with the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service.
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service, contact our award-winning team of specialist criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF IMPROPER USE OF EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE?
Section 474.18 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) constitutes it a criminal offence for a person to:
- Make a call to an emergency service number; and
- Do so with the intention of inducing a false belief that an emergency exists.
Section 474.18 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) also constitutes it a criminal offence for a person to:
- Make a call to an emergency service number; and
- Make the call otherwise than for the purpose of reporting an emergency; and
- The call is a vexatious one.
WHAT IS A VEXATIOUS CALL?
If you are accused of or charged with committing the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service by virtue of having allegedly made a vexatious call, it is important to understand what in fact constitutes a vexatious call.
Section 474.18 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) defines a vexatious call as being determined by regard to:
- The content of the call; and
- The number, frequency and content of previous calls the person has made to emergency service numbers otherwise than for the purpose of reporting emergencies; and
- Any other relevant matter.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF IMPROPER USE OF EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE?
Section 474.18 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) prescribes a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment for a person convicted of the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service. If the matter is finalised in the Local Court, the maximum penalty available is 1 year imprisonment.
CAN I GET BAIL FOR AN IMPROPER USE OF EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE CHARGE?
Yes, you may be granted bail on a charge of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service. Our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group are the leading law firm in NSW for securing bail for our clients who were charged with serious criminal offences, including of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service.
MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF IMPROPER USE OF EMERGENCY CALL SERVICE
A 37-year-old man has been charged with the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service, arising out of allegations that he contacted emergency services and falsely claimed an armed person was making threats of violence towards him. Police allege that the man made a total of 18 calls to police and ambulance during a 45-minute period.
Multiple police units, which included a Police helicopter crew, attended the property.
Police entered the house and detained the man, before searching the property. Police allege there were no weapons located and that no-one had been injured.
Townsville Superintendent Chris Lawson warned of the impact of improper calls to emergency services, stating that “Fake or hoax calls take up valuable police and ambulance time and resources – which should be used for real emergencies.”
The accused man was issued with a Notice to Appear for improper use of emergency services – false belief and was scheduled to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court.
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service, contact our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
Our award-winning team of criminal law experts are nationally recognised for securing not guilty verdicts and the withdrawal of charges for our clients across NSW who have been charged with the criminal offence of Improper Use of Emergency Call Service.