Fraude a servicios públicos en primer, segundo y tercer grado

Explicación Simple

Fraudar a una empresa de servicios públicos significa robarles o engañarlos para obtener servicios sin pagar. Hay diferentes niveles de gravedad, dependiendo de cuánto dinero se roba o si se hace de manera peligrosa. Las penas pueden ir desde multas hasta cárcel.

Es como cuando alguien se cuela en una fila para entrar a un concierto sin pagar, pero en lugar de un boleto, se roba la electricidad o el agua.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan vive en un barrio y decide hacer una conexión ilegal para obtener electricidad sin pagar. Al revisar la compañía, se dan cuenta que Juan ha estado usando más de mil dólares en electricidad. Esto podría llevarlo a enfrentar cargos graves por fraude.

Penalidades

Las penas varían desde delitos graves hasta faltas menores, con multas y posibles penas de cárcel.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

RCW 9A.61.030 - Defrauding a public utility in the first degree (1) A person is guilty of defrauding a public utility in the first degree if:(a) The utility service diverted or used exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars in value; or(b) Tampering has occurred in furtherance of other criminal activity.(2) Defrauding a public utility in the first degree is a class B felony. RCW 9A.61.040 - Defrauding a public utility in the second degree (1) A person is guilty of defrauding a public utility in the second degree if the utility service diverted or used exceeds five hundred dollars in value.(2) Defrauding a public utility in the second degree is a class C felony. RCW 9A.61.050 - Defrauding a public utility in the third degree (1) A person is guilty of defrauding a public utility in the third degree if:(a) The utility service diverted or used is five hundred dollars or less in value; or(b) A connection or reconnection has occurred without authorization or consent of the utility.(2) Defrauding a public utility in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor. RCW 9A.61.060 - Restitution and costs In any prosecution under this section, the court may require restitution from the defendant as provided by chapter 9A.20 RCW, plus court costs plus the costs incurred by the utility on account of the bypassing, tampering, or unauthorized reconnection, including but not limited to costs and expenses for investigation, disconnection, reconnection, service calls, and expert witnesses. RCW 9A.61.070 - Damages not precluded Restitution ordered or fines imposed under this chapter do not preclude a utility from collecting damages under RCW 80.28.240 to which it may be entitled.