Alteración de medidores de servicios públicos en Carolina del Sur

Explicación Simple

Es ilegal cambiar o manipular los medidores de electricidad, gas o agua. Si te atrapan haciéndolo, puedes recibir una multa o incluso ir a la cárcel.

Es como intentar hacer trampa en un juego de mesa cambiando las reglas solo para ganar; puede que lo logres por un tiempo, pero eventualmente te atrapan y enfrentas consecuencias.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan vive en Carolina del Sur y decide manipular el medidor de agua de su casa para no pagar más. Un día, la compañía de agua lo descubre y Juan termina enfrentando una multa de hasta mil dólares y puede ir a la cárcel por un año.

Penalidades

Las multas pueden ir de 500 a 15,000 dólares y las penas de cárcel de 30 días a 5 años, dependiendo de la gravedad de la ofensa.

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: