Minnesota § 609.79 - OBSCENE OR HARASSING TELEPHONE CALLS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.79 — OBSCENE OR HARASSING TELEPHONE CALLS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.79. OBSCENE OR HARASSING TELEPHONE CALLS
Subdivision 1.Crime defined; obscene call.
Whoever,
(1) by means of a telephone,
(i) makes any comment, request, suggestion or proposal which is obscene, lewd, or lascivious,
(ii) with the intent to harass or intimidate another person, repeatedly makes telephone calls, whether or not conversation ensues, and thereby places the other person in reasonable fear of substantial bodily harm; places the person in reasonable fear that the person's family or household members will be subject to substantial bodily harm; or causes or would reasonably be expected to cause substantial emotional distress to the other person, or
(iii) with the intent to harass or intimidate any person at the called or notified number, makes or causes the telephone of another to repeatedly or continuously ring or receive electronic notifications and thereby places the other person in reasonable fear of substantial bodily harm; places the person in reasonable fear that the person's family or household members will be subject to substantial bodily harm; or causes or would reasonably be expected to cause substantial emotional distress as defined in section 609.749, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (4), to the other person, or
(2) having control of a telephone, knowingly permits it to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 1a.
[Repealed, 1993 c 326 art 2 s 34]
Subd. 2.Venue.
The offense may be prosecuted either at the place where the call is made or where it is received or, additionally in the case of wireless or electronic communication, where the sender or receiver resides.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.79; 1969 c 174 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 307 s 5; 1989 c 261 s 7; 1993 c 326 art 2 s 23; 2005 c 136 art 17 s 48; 2020 c 96 s 4
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.79
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.79 cover?
Section 609.79 ("OBSCENE OR HARASSING TELEPHONE CALLS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.79?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.79" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.79 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.