Illinois Chapter 720 ILCS 5/26.5 – Harassing and Obscene Communications
Chapter 720 ILCS 5/26.5 of the Illinois Revised Statutes: Criminal Offenses covers laws regarding harassment. Specifically, it covers forms of harassment transmitted over the phone via call or text.
What Chapter 5/26.5 Covers
- What counts as a harassing message
- Requirements for warnings on phone books
- When an internet or phone company can be held responsible
For explanations of the individual statutes in plain English, use the links below
Chapter 5/26.5 Statutes Explained
- 720 ILCS 5/26.5-1 – Transmission of Obscene Messages (Harassing Communications)
- 720 ILCS 5/26.5-2 – Harassment by Telephone
- 720 ILCS 5/26.5-3 – Harassment Through Electronic Communications
Facing Allegations of Harrassing Communications in Illinois?
Don’t underestimate these charges – you need a lawyer who can protect you from them. Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and defend your record. Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP for a no-obligation case review.
720 ILCS 5/26.5-.01 Definitions
This section goes over several words and phrases that are used in this chapter, and explains what they mean.
“Electronic communication” means any message that is sent electronically, like over the phone or computer.
“Family or household member” means parents, children, and others who either live together, are/were married, or are blood related.
“Harrass” or “harrassing” means actions that someone does on purpose, knowing that it will hurt someone else’s feelings unecessarily.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
