Dial 911 for Emergencies Only
It seems to be a growing trend for people to call 911 for assistance in non-emergency matters.
Recently, a Florida lady called 911 three times to report that McDonald’s was out of McNuggets and refused to give her a refund. When informed that her situation was not an emergency, she protested that it was indeed an emergency because they were trying to force her to order a McDouble, which she did not want. She did get eventually get her refund but was charged with misusing 911, making her decision to report the McNugget mishap a costly one.
Another prominent example of misusing 911 was provided by Joe McCain, brother of former Presidential candidate John McCain, who called 911 to report that he was sitting in traffic and would like to know why. When the operator questioned McCain’s motive for calling emergency services, McCain became offended, cursed at the operator, and hung up. To make matters worse, McCain again called 911 to complain after an emergency services representative left him a voicemail informing him that such misuse of 911 was illegal.
More recently, a Florida man called 911 to report that a bar refused to serve him another drink. The bar indicated that the man was intoxicated, so they stopped serving him alcohol and called a cab for him. This incensed the man who called 911 to report the offending bar and also that a local food kitchen would not serve him any food. The man was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of misusing 911.
In Tennessee, making a 911 call in a non-emergency situation is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by up to thirty (30) days in jail and a fine of fifty dollars ($50). However, if the call creates a delay in a response to another emergency, results in harm to persons or property, or is one made in an offensively repetitious manner it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days in jail and a fine of up to twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500).
If you are facing criminal charges in Tennessee, please contact the skilled Knoxville criminal defense attorneys at Baker Associates. We have defended the rights of may individuals in Tennessee and may be able to help you during this challenging time in your life. Call 866-853-2888 today for a case evaluation.
Sources: http://www.inquisitr.com/19230/mcdonalds-911-call/; http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1008/563913.html; http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/man-to-911-bar-wont-serve-me/1036718; T.C.A. section 7-86-316
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