Description
The crime of Damaging Phone Lines is to unlawfully and maliciously take down, remove, injure, disconnect, cut or obstruct a line of telegraph, telephone, or cable television, or electricity, or any part or apparatus connected, including battery backup or other power or media line. You may also be charged for making unauthorized connections to an electrical line. A more severe charge than Vandalism, Damaging Phone Lines is often charged against people who damage phone equipment during episodes of Domestic Battery or Burglary. Examples of Damaging Phone Lines include intention to tap a phone and damaging the device or property connection or tapping into an adjoining property TV cable connection with intention to avoid payment for services or knocking the phone out of someone’s hand causing damage to the unit
What does the prosecutor have to prove?
1. Defendant unlawfully and maliciously took down, removed, injured, disconnected, cut or obstructed a line of telegraph, telephone or cable television, or another line used to conduct electricity, or any part thereof, or appurtenance or apparatus connected therewith. or 1. Defendant severed a line of telegraph, telephone or cable television, or another line used to conduct electricity. OR
2. Defendant made an unauthorized connection with a line, other than a telegraph, telephone, or cable television line, used to conduct electricity, or a part thereof, or appurtenance or apparatus connected therewith.
Punishment
Felony: 16months/2years/3years
With probation 0-364 days
Misdemeanor: 0-364 days