what are the consequences fines jail time?
2007-03-19 14:00:53 · 8 answers · asked by luis r 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If there is no prior criminal record, you normally get nailed with a large fine...
2007-03-19 17:43:48 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for the local electric utility. If theft occurs, the usual scenario is a customer who couldn't pay his bill, the power gets cut, and he reconnects it himself.
The meter reader goes on regular route and logs usage on a CUT meter. We send out a collector again and remove the meter, and add a tampering fee, anywhere from $75 to $175, to an unpaid bill which is probably already huge.
Customer then puts jumpers on his meterless contacts. We are aware (sometimes) because we know how much power is flowing through a local grid, and the total metered usage in the area doesn't add up. Or a neighbor or meter reader reports it. This time we turn off the power at the pole and remove the service drop (wire to your house).
We usually don't care about the criminal liability. You will pay your bill, or we will destroy your credit and refuse to provide electric service. The deadbeats won't care about the credit part, but they sure do want the power.
If you reconnect yourself at the pole, which some enterprising electricians have done, we take legal action. I have not looked into the specifics of that, but I would not want to be on the receiving end of it.
2007-03-20 02:07:41 · answer #2 · answered by KALEL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Around here (TN) , it's a fine of about $1500 for the first offense. Also judge will take a shot at what you owe the utility (takes the estimate from the utility and adds some) and you can pay it or go to jail. Repeat offenders get 11-29.
2007-03-19 21:05:43 · answer #3 · answered by steve.c_50 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is known as a theft of a Public Utility. In most states it is a Felony. (A felony is punishable with a prison term for a minimum of 1 year and/or a $1,000.00 fine for each offense)
The court could also order the guilty party to pay back the utility every penny of the loss which could be estimated if the true cost is unknown!
2007-03-19 21:34:51 · answer #4 · answered by nukehoop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theft is a crime punishable by imprisonment and fine. Thus, a person who stole gas and electricity for their home will definitely go to jail if found guilty of the crime.
2007-03-19 21:05:27 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Whatever the consequences - why is the person stealing? What right do they have to take something they did not pay for. What makes them think it is okay?
2007-03-19 21:05:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if the UK and you have jumped the meter then yes Jail time along with a hefty fine is very likely..............
Am not so sure about any other country tho to be honest.
2007-03-19 21:05:59 · answer #7 · answered by candy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gased,shocked, or jail.
RU stupid?
2007-03-19 21:12:27 · answer #8 · answered by Credit Expert 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋