West Virginia § 61-8-16 - 61-8-16. Obscene, anonymous, harassing, repeated and threatening telephone calls; penalty.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 61-8-16 — 61-8-16. Obscene, anonymous, harassing, repeated and threatening telephone calls; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-8-16. 61-8-16. Obscene, anonymous, harassing, repeated and threatening telephone calls; penalty.
(a) It is unlawful for any person with intent to harass or abuse another by means of telephone to:
(1) Make any comment, request, suggestion or proposal which is obscene; or
(2) Make a telephone call, whether or not conversation ensues, without disclosing his or her identity and with intent to harass any person at the called number; or
(3) Make or cause the telephone of another repeatedly or continuously to ring, with intent to harass any person at the called number; or
(4) Make repeated telephone calls, during which conversation ensues, with intent to harass any person at the called number; or
(5) Threaten to commit a crime against any person or property.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly permit any telephone under his or her control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section.
(c) Any offense committed under this section may be deemed to have occurred at the place at which the telephone call was made, or the place at which the telephone call was received.
(d) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500, or confined in jail not more than six months, or both fined and confined.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 61-8-16
What does West Virginia Code § 61-8-16 cover?
Section 61-8-16 ("61-8-16. Obscene, anonymous, harassing, repeated and threatening telephone calls; penalty.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 61-8-16?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 61-8-16" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 61-8-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.