Were you arrested and charged with damaging a phone, cable, or electrical line in San Diego, CA? This serious offense may be prosecuted as a felony in some cases, potentially carrying severe consequences. However, there’s likely still time to present an effective defense.
Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers has defended San Diegans’ rights for over a decade. We’re led by award-winning San Diego criminal defense attorney Peter Blair, who was named one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2020 and who holds a perfect 10.0 rating on the prominent lawyer directory Avvo.
We offer a free initial consultation to review your case and offer legal advice. Contact us today at (619) 357-4977 to get started.
Table of Contents
How Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With Damaging a Phone, Cable, or Electrical Line in San Diego
In California, damaging a phone, cable, or electrical line is considered a “wobbler” offense. That means the prosecution may have the discretion of whether to charge the crime as a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony conviction, regardless of the offense, can have lasting consequences on your life that go beyond the penalties imposed by the criminal court.
If you don’t hire an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney to represent you, the prosecutor may get away with charging you with more than is fair. We won’t let that happen. Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers can protect your legal rights and interests throughout the entirety of your case. When you choose us to defend you, we can get to work by:
- Conducting our own investigation into your case, including the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the prosecution’s evidence against you
- Enlisting the help of experts when needed to further strengthen your defense
- Negotiating with the prosecution to have your charges dropped or dismissed if possible
- Regularly keeping you up-to-date on your case’s status and your legal options
- Bringing your case all the way to trial if that’s in your best interest
Want more information about how we can help defend you against the charges you’re facing? Contact us today to set up your free case review.
California Penal Code Section 591
Section 591 of the California Penal Code describes the offense of damaging a phone, cable, or electrical line. In relevant part, the statute states that “A person who unlawfully and maliciously takes down, removes, injures, disconnects, cuts, or obstructs a line of telegraph, telephone, or cable television, or any line used to conduct electricity…is subject to punishment.”
Within the text of PC 591, the words “unlawfully” and “maliciously” are especially important. It is not a crime to damage a phone, cable, or electrical line in California if those two factors are not present. The prosecution must provide enough evidence to assert their presence “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the highest burden of proof standard found in the law.
Being charged under PC 591 is one thing, but a conviction is entirely something else. These considerations leave an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer with significant room to argue on your behalf. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to learn more.
What Are the Penalties for a Damaging a Phone, Cable, or Electrical Line Conviction in San Diego, California?
As mentioned above, damaging a phone, cable, or electrical line is a “wobbler” offense in California. Based on factors such as your criminal history (if applicable) and the facts of the case, it may be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor.
The penalties for a misdemeanor conviction under PC 591 can include up to one year in county jail as well as a $1,000 fine. For a felony conviction, the penalties are up to three years in county jail and a $10,000 fine.
What Defenses Can I Raise if I Was Charged With Damaging a Phone, Cable, or Electrical Line in San Diego, CA?
There are many available defenses against charges levied under PC 591 in San Diego, California. These may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
- You did not damage the line unlawfully
- You did not act maliciously
- Your constitutional rights were violated
- You damaged the line by accident
- You did not actually commit the act in question
After you hire us, we’ll undertake a comprehensive investigation into your case to, in part, determine the defense(s) that are best suited for your particular case.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Experienced San Diego Domestic Violence Attorneys
You may still have time to fight back if you’ve been charged with damaging a phone, cable, or electrical line in San Diego. Our trusted San Diego criminal defense lawyers at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers are ready to begin as soon as you are.
The more time we have to start looking into your case and formulating your best legal course of action, the better. Call San Diego domestic violence attorneys today at (619) 613-2506 to schedule your free consultation.
Areas We Serve in San Diego, CA
Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Mesa, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, La Jolla, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, University City, Bay Ho, Bay Park, Harbor Island, Liberty Station, Midway District, Mission Bay Park, Mission Beach, Morena, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Point Loma (La Playa, Loma Portal, Point Loma Heights, Roseville-Fleet Ridge, Wooded Area), Shelter Island, Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Downtown, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Middletown, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, North Park, Old Town, South Park, University Heights, Alta Vista, Bay Terraces, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Jamacha, Lincoln Park, Lomita, Oak Park, Paradise Hills, Redwood Village, Rolando Park, Valencia Park, Webster, Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Encantada, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual Valley, Scripps Ranch, Torrey Highlands, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Sorrento Valley, Allied Gardens, Birdland, Del Cerro, Grantville, Lake Murray, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta, Barrio Logan, Grant Hill, Logan Heights, Shelltown, Sherman Heights, Stockton, Egger Highlands, Nestor, Ocean View Hills, Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa West, Palm City, San Ysidro, Tijuana River Valley, City Heights, College Area, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mount Hope, Mountain View, Rolando Village, Southcrest, Talmadge.
