Mississippi § 19-5-317 - Abusive calls prohibited; sanctions.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 19-5-317 — Abusive calls prohibited; sanctions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-5-317. Abusive calls prohibited; sanctions.
When there is not an emergency, no person shall make a telephone call to an emergency telephone service and knowingly or intentionally: Remain silent; Make abusive or harassing statements to an emergency telephone service employee; Report the existence of an emergency; or Falsely report a crime. No person shall knowingly permit a telephone under his control to be used by another person in a manner described in subsection (1) of this section. Conviction of a first offense under this section is punishable by a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Conviction of any subsequent offense under this section is punishable by a fine not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or by imprisonment for a period of time not to exceed three (3) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment. For the purpose of this section, “emergency telephone service” shall mean a service established under Section 19-5-301 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, or established under the provisions of a local and private act enacted prior to October 20, 1987.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 19-5-317
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 19-5-317 cover?
Section 19-5-317 ("Abusive calls prohibited; sanctions.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. 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 Mississippi § 19-5-317?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 19-5-317" (Mississippi). 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 Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 19-5-317 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi 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 Mississippi.