Misuse of Telecommunications and Harassment Offences
Misuse of telecommunications and harassment offences can involve various forms of communication, including calls, messages or online activity that may be considered offensive, menacing or persistent. Many people want clarity about how these offences are assessed, what evidence is relevant and how intent or context is interpreted.
This page outlines the general issues that may arise and explains how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can discuss your circumstances confidentially.
Charged with misusing a phone or online platform?
Sending offensive, threatening or harassing messages via phone, email or social media is a criminal offence under both state and Commonwealth law. Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth) makes it an offence to use a carriage service — such as a mobile or the internet — in a way that reasonable people would consider menacing, harassing or offensive.
These charges can arise from text messages, online arguments, breakups, workplace disputes, or even group chats. What one person thinks is a joke or emotional outburst may still be considered unlawful by police or a court.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who understand how these charges are applied and can help you deal with police interviews, explain the context, and protect your legal rights.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with telecommunications offences, including:
- Using a mobile phone, internet or app to send offensive or threatening messages
- Allegations of online harassment, stalking or trolling
- Texts or messages sent during breakups, family conflict or disputes
- Charges under s 474.17 Criminal Code (Cth) or equivalent state laws
- Advice on whether a message crosses the legal threshold
- Supporting diversion or non-conviction outcomes for minor cases
- Responding to police interviews or court attendance notices
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand telecommunications offences
- Confidential platform to outline your situation
- Guidance on what information or digital records may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
How it works
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Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Criminal charges can carry serious penalties and strict time limits. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible, especially before speaking to police or attending court.
Law Tram does not provide emergency legal support or crisis response services and does not assist in finding legal representation for minors.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in telecommunications misuse and harassment offences. Whether your situation involves concerns about messages, online conduct, repeated communication or uncertainty about how your behaviour may be interpreted, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
It includes phones, internet, email, messaging apps, and social media platforms — essentially anything that transmits communication electronically.
The test is whether a reasonable person would find the message seriously offensive, harassing or threatening. Context matters.
Not necessarily. The effect of the message on the recipient and how a reasonable person would view it are key factors.
Yes, though courts often impose fines, bonds or diversion for first-time or lower-level offences. Legal advice is crucial to help reduce the impact.
Yes. Screenshots, backups and recipient copies can still be used as evidence, even if you deleted the original message or account.
Screenshots, call logs, message histories, social media data and any police documents can help a lawyer outline the general issues that may arise.
Yes. A lawyer can explain the general criteria used to evaluate communication, including tone, frequency, context and the reasonable interpretation of the message.
Yes. A lawyer can explain what types of digital records may be relevant and how they may help clarify the circumstances of the communication.