Cable theft refers to tapping into another person’s communications services without authorization. This “theft” can occur against a person or a business. At a larger scale, the crime may be prosecuted by local law enforcement.
Hernando County Communications Theft Defense Attorney
Cable theft is rarely an accidental thing. However, there may come a time when you believe mistakenly believe you have authorized access to internet or cable services, and face charges as a result.
Ashley Aulls serves Hernando, Citrus, or Sumter County and the surrounding areas, including Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, High Point, Hernando Beach, Hill ‘n Dale, Inverness Highlands, Sugarmill Woods, Lecanto, Wildwood, Lake Panasoffkee, and Bushnell.
Contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. at (352) 593-4115 as soon as possible after your arrest to immediately begin building your defense.
- Cable Theft in Florida
- Penalties for Cable Theft in Florida
- Common Defenses for Cable Theft
- Hire a Communications Theft Defense Attorney in Hernando, FL
Cable Theft
In Florida, stealing cable or communication services involves the unauthorized access or use of these services. Under Florida Statutes § 812.15: Unauthorized Reception of Communications Services, this crime is primarily addressed through sections related to fraud and theft, including:
- Cable Theft: This refers to the act of intercepting or receiving cable television services without authorization. It includes bypassing or tampering with cable equipment to obtain services without paying.
- Satellite Theft: Similar to cable theft, this involves unlawfully accessing satellite television services. This might involve using unauthorized equipment to decode encrypted signals.
- Internet Service Theft: This involves unauthorized use of someone else’s internet service. It can include hacking into a network or using someone’s Wi-Fi without permission.
- Communications Fraud: This broader category includes various schemes to defraud telecommunications companies, such as falsifying information to obtain services or misrepresenting oneself to receive discounts or services.
Under state law, all attempts to defraud cable companies are considered illegal, including modifying routers or cable boxes to remove tracking information and receive free services.
Penalties
The penalties for stealing cable or communications services in Florida vary based on the specifics of the offense and the value of the stolen services. Typically, this value is calculated based on the amount of time the accused is believed to have stolen the services.
Misdemeanor Offenses: Any violation under subsection 812.15 is considered a misdemeanor in the first degree, punishable by up to one year in jail, one year of county probation and/or $1,000 fine.
Felony Offenses: More serious offenses involve higher values or repeated offenses. We have listed out the section’s offenses along with their penalties below.
- Possessing a communications device for the purpose of providing unauthorized services from a communications provider – First Degree Misdemeanor
- Possessing 5 or more communications devices for the same purpose – Third-Degree Felony
- Possessing 50 or more communications devices for the same purpose – Second-Degree Felony
Repeat Offenses
If you have been convicted of communications theft previously, any subsequent conviction will be elevated to a minimum third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Civil Penalties
In addition to the above criminal penalties, you may also be required to repay the person or business that you are charged with stealing from. This includes between $250 and $10,000 per communications device of which you are found to be in possession.
Common Defenses
Several defenses may be used to contest charges of stealing cable or communication services in Florida. These defenses typically focus on disproving key elements of the offense or challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution.
- Lack of Intent: A common defense is to argue that the defendant did not have the intent to commit theft. For example, if someone was unaware that their access to services was unauthorized or mistakenly believed they had permission, they might not meet the intent requirement for theft.
- Authorization: If the defendant had actual or implied permission to use the services, this can be a valid defense. Demonstrating that permission was granted, or that the defendant had a reasonable belief in the legitimacy of their access, can refute claims of theft.
- Technical Issues: Defendants might also challenge the technical aspects of the case. For instance, if the prosecution alleges the use of unauthorized devices or methods, a defense could argue that the devices were not actually used or that they did not alter the services in a way that constitutes theft.
Hire a Communications Theft Defense Attorney in Hernando, FL
If you or a loved one have been charged with theft, you need to contact the experienced defense attorneys at The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. immediately.
Ashley Aulls serves Hernando, Citrus, or Sumter County and the surrounding areas, including Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, High Point, Hernando Beach, Hill ‘n Dale, Inverness Highlands, Sugarmill Woods, Lecanto, Wildwood, Lake Panasoffkee, and Bushnell.
Contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. at (352) 593-4115 as soon as possible after your arrest to immediately begin building your defense.