THEFT OF SERVICE

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THEFT OF SERVICEWhat is it? Theft of Service is when a person commits a theft of services with intent to avoid payment for that service, knowing that the service itself normally provides for compensation. In other words, stealing a service that he would otherwise need to pay for.

What makes it illegal?  The Texas Criminal Penal Code Sec. 31.04.  THEFT OF SERVICE indicates that a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly secures performance of the service by deception, threat, or false token.

What are the Punishments? For individuals arrested for THEFT OF SERVICE the penalty is dependant on the value of property stolen.

An offense under this section is: (1)  a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is less than $20; (2)  a Class B misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is $20 or more but less than $500; (3)  a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the service stolen is $500 or more but less than $1,500;(4)  a state jail felony if the value of the service stolen is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;(5)  a felony of the third degree if the value of the service stolen is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;(6)  a felony of the second degree if the value of the service stolen is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; or(7)  a felony of the first degree if the value of the service stolen is $200,000 or more

Common Criminal Cases Involving Theft Arrests: The most common Theft of Service cases and Theft of Service arrests involve taking services, without paying, such as Cable Television, Internet, Phone, or other utilities.

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