Alteración y manipulación de medidores de servicios públicos

Explicación Simple

Manipular medidores de servicios como luz o agua es ilegal. Si alguien lo hace, puede recibir multas o ir a la cárcel, dependiendo de cuántas veces lo haya hecho.

Es como intentar hacer trampa en un juego de mesa. Si cambias las reglas a tu favor, puedes ganar, pero si te atrapan, te penalizan.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan decide conectar un cable que evita que su medidor de agua registre todo lo que utiliza. Si lo descubren, podría enfrentar una multa de hasta $500 o incluso tiempo en la cárcel.

Penalidades

Multas de hasta $15,000 y penas de cárcel de hasta 5 años, dependiendo de la reincidencia.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

SECTION 16-13-385. Altering, tampering with or bypassing electric, gas or water meters; penalties. (A) It is unlawful for an unauthorized person to alter, tamper with, or bypass a meter which has been installed for the purpose of measuring the use of electricity, gas, or water. A meter found in a condition which would cause electricity, gas, or water to be diverted from the recording apparatus of the meter or to cause the meter to inaccurately measure the use of electricity, gas, or water or the attachment to a meter or distribution wire of any device, mechanism, or wire which would permit the use of unmetered electricity, gas, or water or would cause a meter to inaccurately measure the use is prima facie evidence that the person in whose name the meter was installed or the person for whose benefit electricity, gas, or water was diverted caused the electricity, gas, or water to be diverted from going through the meter or the meter to inaccurately measure the use of the electricity, gas, or water. (B) A person who violates the provisions of this section for a: (1) first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days; (2) second offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than ten thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three years, or both; and (3) third or subsequent offense, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. (C) A person who violates the provisions of this section for profit or income on behalf of a person in whose name the meter was installed or a person for whose benefit electricity, gas, or water was diverted for a: