§ 609.80 — Interfering With Cable Communications Systems
Plain-Language Summary
It is a crime to intentionally interfere with, tap into, or steal service from a cable television system. Penalties range from misdemeanor to felony based on the value of services stolen.
609.80 INTERFERING WITH CABLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
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Subdivision 1.Misdemeanor.
Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor:
(1) intentionally and with the purpose of making or aiding in an unauthorized connection as prohibited by section 609.52, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (12), to a licensed cable communications system as defined in chapter 238 lends, offers, or gives to another any instrument, apparatus, equipment, or device designed to make an unauthorized connection, or plan, specification or instruction for making an unauthorized connection, without receiving or seeking to receive money or any other thing of value in exchange; or
(2) intentionally tampers with, removes or injures any cable, wire, or other component of a licensed cable communications system as defined in chapter 238; or
(3) intentionally and without claim of right interrupts a service of a licensed cable communications system as defined in chapter 238. §
Subd. 2.Commercial activity; felony.
Whoever sells or rents, or offers or advertises for sale or rental, any instrument, apparatus, equipment, or device designed to make an unauthorized connection as prohibited by section 609.52, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (12), to a licensed cable communications system as defined in chapter 238, or a plan, specification, or instructions for making an unauthorized connection, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to not more than three years of imprisonment or a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.
History:
1977 c 396 s 2; 1988 c 410 s 1; 2020 c 83 art 1 s 94
History: History: 1977 c 396 s 2; 1988 c 410 s 1; 2020 c 83 art 1 s 94