Can you press charges for someone texting you?
Asked by: Dr. Idella Pollich | Last update: December 19, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (36 votes)
Harassment by telecommunication device is considered a serious offense. It is charged as a class A nonperson misdemeanor, which is the most serious type. Up to $2,500 in fines. Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it's still crucial to have a criminal defense lawyer help handle your case.
Can you get charged for texting someone?
This includes sending text messages or other electronic communications. If someone has told you to stop contacting them, and you continue to do so, you could be charged with harassment. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
How many texts are considered harassment?
When you keep sending repeated text messages, it can count as harassment. Keep in mind, though, that there are some exceptions. For instance, a friend of yours asking if you're okay may send repeated messages if you're not answering. Naturally, this would not be considered harassment.
Can I report someone who keeps texting me?
Report to the police
If you report the harassment to the police they will investigate to determine whether the abusive person has committed a crime, such as criminal harassment, stalking or, based on other things that the abusive person is doing, whether another crime has been committed.
Can you press charges for texting?
If the recipient of the message feels threatened or intimidated, the sender can face charges for making criminal threats. Criminal threats refer to verbal or written threats that cause another person to fear for their safety. Such charges can lead to fines, probation, and even imprisonment.
Can I get charged for just threatening someone?
Can you file a police report for text messages?
You can and should immediately file a police complaint on any text messages to you and or to your 9 year old. Police will likely investigate and at least reach out and encourage the parties to stop the unwanted contacts.
Can you be charged for receiving a text?
No. The text messages are currently free of charge to all personal and business customers. However please note that your mobile network service provider may charge you for receiving a text message on your mobile phone and sometimes higher charges may apply if you are abroad.
Can police do anything about harassing text messages?
Police are hear to help protect your health, safety, and welfare from these menacing texts. And if you are arrested for sending harassing texts, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Laws against all forms of cyberbullying are being taken increasingly seriously.
Can you sue someone if they keep texting you?
If you are being bothered by unsolicited spam text messages, you can take legal action. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you may be eligible for compensation of $500 to $1500 per unsolicited text, which can be trebled if the violation is knowing, willful, or intentional.
Is it illegal for someone to text you without permission?
In addition to generally being a bad practice, it is also illegal to send unsolicited text messages to people without their consent, and the fines can be heavy. This is why obtaining consent is so important. The penalties for violating the TCPA can be severe.
What happens when you file a police report for harassment?
Evidence will be reviewed by whomever is assigned to do so. Further investigation may be necessary. Once the evidence is reviewed, a decision will be made to file charges against the accused or find that there is not enough evidence to pursue charges.
How many times can you contact someone before it's harassment?
Just one unwelcome call can be harassing, though a single misdial or "wrong number" call might not rise to the level of harassment. It's a good idea to tell the recipient of such a call that you accidentally misdialed the number. People who commit telephone harassment are subject to fines, prison, or both.
How to legally tell someone to stop contacting you?
If someone is harassing you, a cease and desist letter may convince them to stop. However, you are not required to send a cease and desist letter before taking legal action.
Do text messages hold up in court?
Yes, text messages can hold up in court if they are authenticated. This involves proving who sent and received the text messages. For example, it might mean showing a screenshot or printout of the text dialogue and identifying the phone numbers associated with the messages.
Can you take someone to court for texting you?
Yes, under California law, you may have the option to sue the individual harassing you over texts for harassment. California law prohibits harassment, which includes any conduct with intent to annoy or harass another person, such as making repeated telephone calls or sending harassing electronic communications.
Can you call the cops if someone keeps texting you?
Safety: If the texts make you feel unsafe or lead you to alter your daily routines out of fear for personal safety, it is essential to inform the police about your concerns. If you receive threats of violence, the police are more likely to investigate.
Can screenshots of text messages be used in court?
Just like social media posts, screenshots of text messages can be used in court, but face similar challenges regarding authentication. Without the original metadata and context, proving that a screenshot is an accurate and unaltered representation of the original message can be difficult.
Is it a crime to keep texting someone?
Harassment by telecommunication device is considered a serious offense. It is charged as a class A nonperson misdemeanor, which is the most serious type. Up to $2,500 in fines. Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it's still crucial to have a criminal defense lawyer help handle your case.
Can I sue for unwanted text messages?
If a company has violated the TCPA by sending you unsolicited text messages, you have the right to sue them in federal court. These lawsuits can be filed as individual actions or as part of a class action if many people have received similar messages.
How do I report someone for harassing text messages?
If you experience a threat, please contact your local FBI field office (listings available at www.fbi.gov) or submit a tip via 1-800-CALLFBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or via www.fbi.gov/tips. You can also make an anonymous tip to the FBI by phone or online.
Can you call the police if someone won't stop contacting you?
It's frequently all you would have to do if you in order to quickly stop the behavior. Of course, she may be unreasonable. If so, stalking, threatening and harassment are crimes. All you have to do is to get to the police station and file a report.
How to file phone harassment charges?
Pick up the phone, call the police station, and report the calls. If harassing messages are left on an answering machine or voice mail, give the recordings to the police (in a two-party-consent state, a person who leaves a message on a machine or in voice mail knows they're being recorded and has consented).
Do you get charged for texts you receive?
“Data rates may apply” means that the cell phone carrier may charge the consumer a fee for receiving or sending that text message.
Is it legal to text someone without their permission?
The biggest thing is you can't just send unsolicited text messages to anyone. You need that express written consent—people have to opt-in to the messages you're sending. That means you can't just take a list of cell phone numbers, import them, and send out text messages. You need a real-time opt-in process.
Is sending unsolicited texts illegal?
Consumers are using their phones for everything, and they have become an integral part of marketing for businesses. However, for companies to simply send unsolicited text messages to phone numbers is illegal, and understanding the laws surrounding text message marketing is important for many reasons.