by Attorney Eric D. PuryearThe Iowa crime of Obstruction of emergency communications is defined by Iowa Code section 727.5 as follows:
An emergency communication is any telephone call or radio transmission to a fire department or police department for aid, or a call or transmission for medical aid or ambulance service, when human life or property is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential. A person who fails to relinquish a telephone or telephone line which the person is using when informed that the phone or line is needed for an emergency call or knowingly and intentionally obstructs or interferes with an emergency call or transmission commits a simple misdemeanor.
A violation of the Iowa law prohibiting Obstruction of Emergency Communications is a simple misdemeanor, for which a person can receive up to 30 days in the county jail. This charge is most often filed along with other charges, such as domestic abuse assault, where a person is alleged to have stopped someone from calling 911 as part of a domestic dispute.
Those facing an Obstruction of emergency communications charge in Iowa are well advised to remain silent and seek an attorney to address that case (and any other charges).