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Is stealing cable a felony?
The toughening of the penalty for cable signal theft was included in the Ominbus Criminal Sentencing Act of 1995, which went into effect July 1 of this year. Possessing any device allows a user to receive cable without paying for it is a fifth-degree felony. It’s a fourth-degree felony to sell such equipment.
What is felony theft in PA?
$2,000.00 or more is felony theft in PA. If the value of the property taken is $2,000.00 or more, the offender faces felony charges. In addition, if the offense involves a motor vehicle, boat, or airplane, the offense is a felony.
What is the penalty for theft in PA?
Penalties for Theft by Unlawful Taking In most cases, if the property’s value is: More than $2000 — felony of the third degree, punished with up to seven years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. $2,000 to $200 — misdemeanor of the first degree, punished with up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
What is theft by unlawful taking in PA?
Theft by unlawful taking or disposition. (a) Movable property. –A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof.
Can you legally own a TV descrambler?
It is possible to purchase cable descramblers. If the use of the cable box is authorized by the cable company, and appropriate subscriptions are paid, there is no problem. However, if the device is a “pirate box descrambler”, which decodes cable television without authorization or payment, that use is illegal.
What is stealing cable called?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Cable television piracy is the act of obtaining unauthorized access to cable television services. It is a form of copyright infringement.
What is a felony 1 in PA?
First-Degree Felony A felony in the 1st degree is the most serious felony criminal charge in Pennsylvania. The penalties for a 1st degree felony conviction include from 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. This includes crimes such as: Murder.
How much money is a felony in PA?
Theft is classified as a felony of the third degree if the value of the property stolen is more than $2,000 but less than $100,000, or if the property stolen is an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat, or another motor-propelled vehicle.
What is the statute of limitations on theft in PA?
In Pennsylvania, the general statute of limitations is two years, but the general limitations period for “major offenses” is five years….Statutes of Limitations in Pennsylvania.
| Offense | Statute |
|---|---|
| Theft: 5 years | 42 Pa. Consol. Stat. § 5552(b)(1) (2020) |
What are the levels of misdemeanors in PA?
Misdemeanors are split into three levels: First degree (up to five years incarceration and no more than $10,000 in fines) Second degree (up to two years incarceration and no more than $5,000 in fines) Third degree (up to one year incarceration and no more than $2,500 in fines)
Can you steal cable TV?
Stealing cable TV is a federal crime. The law prohibits anyone from intercepting or receiving any cable communications unless authorized by a cable operator. If you are receiving cable television and not paying for it, you are most likely stealing cable.
What are the penalties for stealing cable TV?
Cable companies listen to tips from the public and periodically run system audits to detect unauthorized users. Criminal penalties for cable television theft generally depend on the value of the services you’ve taken.
Can a cable company sue you for stolen services?
In Pennsylvania, $50 of stolen services draws the dividing line between a criminal charge and a simple summary offense, which is less serious. The cable company can also sue you in civil court to try to recover the money you should have paid for services but didn’t.
How to file a theft charge in PA?
Contact a skilled PA theft lawyer now. Time is of the essence. Most theft charges are not black and white. Some are incredibly complex involving a long history. The police infrequently look to sort it out. They just charge folks with theft charges and “let the court sort it out.” That’s wrong.
What is the value of stolen property in PA?
Value $2,000 or more; or if property stolen is a boat, car, airplane or other motor propelled vehicle; or in the case of receiving stolen property, the receiver is in the business of buying and selling stolen property As you can see, when facing a theft charge in PA, the stakes are high.