Theft of or Tampering with Multichannel Video or Information Services

Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code defines theft related offenses

“Theft of or Tampering With Multichannel Video or Information Services”, as per § 31.12 of the Texas Penal Code, occurs when a person, without the authorization of the multichannel video or information services provider, intentionally or knowingly:

makes or maintains a connection, whether physically, electrically, electronically, or inductively, to a cable, wire, or other component of or media attached to a multichannel video or information services system, or a television set, videotape recorder, or other receiver attached to a multichannel video or information system
attaches, causes to be attached, or maintains the attachment of a device to a cable, wire, or other component of or media attached to a multichannel video or information services system, or a television set, videotape recorder, or other receiver attached to a multichannel video or information services system
tampers with, modifies, or maintains a modification to a device installed by a multichannel video or information services provider; or
tampers with, modifies, or maintains a modification to an access device or uses that access device or any unauthorized access device to obtain services from a multichannel video or information services provider

An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the actor has been previously convicted one time of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is a Class B misdemeanor, or convicted two or more times of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, or committed the offense for remuneration, in which event the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, unless it is also shown on the trial of the offense that the actor has been previously convicted two or more times of an offense under this section, in which event the offense is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,000 and a minimum term of confinement of 180 days.

Punishment Range

Misdemeanor C

Fine not to exceed $500

Misdemeanor B

Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days
Fine not to exceed $2,000
Both such fine and confinement

Misdemeanor A

Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year
Fine not to exceed $4,000
Both such fine and confinement

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