{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/18.2-165.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/18.2-165.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/18.2-165.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/18.2-165.1.html"}],"law_id":350376,"edition_id":2,"section_id":350376,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165.1","catch_line":"Tampering with or unlawful use of cable television service","history":"1978, c. 712; 1979, c. 500; 1981, c. 197; 1991, c. 502.","full_text":"Any person who (i) shall knowingly obtain or attempt to obtain cable television service from another by means, artifice, trick, deception or device without the payment to the operator of such service of all lawful compensation for each type of service obtained; (ii) shall knowingly, and with intent to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected, assist or instruct any other person in obtaining or attempting to obtain any cable television service without the payment to the operator of said service of all lawful compensation; (iii) shall knowingly tamper or otherwise interfere with or connect to by any means whether mechanical, electrical, acoustical or other, any cables, wires, or other devices used for the distribution of cable television service without authority from the operator of such service; or (iv) shall knowingly sell, rent, lend, promote, offer or advertise for sale, rental or use any device of any description or any plan for making or assembling the same to any person, with knowledge that the person intends to use such device or plan to do any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned or if the device or plan was represented either directly or indirectly by the person distributing it as having the ability to facilitate the doing of any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony if convicted under clause (ii) or (iv) above and shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if convicted under clause (i) or (iii) above.\n\nAs used herein, cable television service shall include any and all services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or closed circuit coaxial cable communications system or any microwave, satellite or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.\n\nIn any prosecution under this section, the existence on property in the actual possession of the accused, of any connection, wire, conductor, or any device whatsoever, which permits the use of cable television service without the same being reported for payment to and specifically authorized by the operator of the cable television service shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate and of the violation of this section by the accused.\n\nNothing contained in this section shall be construed so as to abrogate or interfere with any contract right or remedy of any person having a contract with the owner of a television coaxial cable, or a cablevision system, or a microwave radio system.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1305436,"text":"Any person who (i) shall knowingly obtain or attempt to obtain cable television service from another by means, artifice, trick, deception or device without the payment to the operator of such service of all lawful compensation for each type of service obtained; (ii) shall knowingly, and with intent to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected, assist or instruct any other person in obtaining or attempting to obtain any cable television service without the payment to the operator of said service of all lawful compensation; (iii) shall knowingly tamper or otherwise interfere with or connect to by any means whether mechanical, electrical, acoustical or other, any cables, wires, or other devices used for the distribution of cable television service without authority from the operator of such service; or (iv) shall knowingly sell, rent, lend, promote, offer or advertise for sale, rental or use any device of any description or any plan for making or assembling the same to any person, with knowledge that the person intends to use such device or plan to do any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned or if the device or plan was represented either directly or indirectly by the person distributing it as having the ability to facilitate the doing of any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony if convicted under clause (ii) or (iv) above and shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if convicted under clause (i) or (iii) above.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":""},"1":{"id":1305437,"text":"As used herein, cable television service shall include any and all services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or closed circuit coaxial cable communications system or any microwave, satellite or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":""},"2":{"id":1305438,"text":"In any prosecution under this section, the existence on property in the actual possession of the accused, of any connection, wire, conductor, or any device whatsoever, which permits the use of cable television service without the same being reported for payment to and specifically authorized by the operator of the cable television service shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate and of the violation of this section by the accused.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":""},"3":{"id":1305439,"text":"Nothing contained in this section shall be construed so as to abrogate or interfere with any contract right or remedy of any person having a contract with the owner of a television coaxial cable, or a cablevision system, or a microwave radio system.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"prior_prefix":""}},"ancestry":[{"id":50143,"edition_id":2,"name":"Offenses Relating to Railroads and Other Utilities","identifier":"8","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":10,"parent_id":50135,"metadata":{"child_laws":22,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:23:15","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:19","permalink":{"id":1392845,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50143,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/5\/8","url":"\/18.2\/5\/8\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50135,"edition_id":2,"name":"Crimes Against Property","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":5,"parent_id":50131,"metadata":{"child_laws":153,"child_structures":10},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:22:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:17","permalink":{"id":1392301,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50135,"identifier":"5","token":"18.2\/5","url":"\/18.2\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50131,"edition_id":2,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":52,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":960,"child_structures":94},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:22:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:30:15","permalink":{"id":1391141,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50131,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":350359,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-153","catch_line":"Obstructing or injuring canal, railroad, power line, etc","url":"\/18.2-153\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-153","metadata":false},{"id":350360,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-154","catch_line":"Shooting at or throwing missiles, etc., at train, car, vessel, etc.; penalty","url":"\/18.2-154\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-154","metadata":false},{"id":350361,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-155","catch_line":"Injuring, etc., signal used by railroad","url":"\/18.2-155\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-155","metadata":false},{"id":350362,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-156","catch_line":"Taking or removing waste or packing from journal boxes","url":"\/18.2-156\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-156","metadata":false},{"id":350363,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-157","catch_line":"Injury to fences or cattle stops along line of railroad","url":"\/18.2-157\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-157","metadata":false},{"id":350364,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-158","catch_line":"Driving, etc., animal on track to recover damages","url":"\/18.2-158\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-158","metadata":false},{"id":350365,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-159","catch_line":"Trespassing on railroad track","url":"\/18.2-159\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-159","metadata":false},{"id":350370,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-160","catch_line":"Trespassing on railroad trains","url":"\/18.2-160\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160","metadata":false},{"id":350367,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-160.1","catch_line":"Boarding or riding transportation district train without lawful payment of fare; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.1","metadata":false},{"id":350368,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-160.2","catch_line":"Trespassing on public transportation; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.2","metadata":false},{"id":350369,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-160.3","catch_line":"Fare enforcement inspectors; failure to produce proof of payment of fare; penalty","url":"\/18.2-160.3\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-160.3","metadata":false},{"id":350371,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-161","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-161\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-161","metadata":false},{"id":350373,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-162","catch_line":"Damage or trespass to public services or utilities","url":"\/18.2-162\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-162","metadata":false},{"id":350372,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-162.1","catch_line":"Diverting wastewater line; diverting or wasting public water supply","url":"\/18.2-162.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-162.1","metadata":false},{"id":350374,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-163","catch_line":"Tampering with metering device; diverting service; civil liability","url":"\/18.2-163\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-163","metadata":false},{"id":350375,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-164","catch_line":"Unlawful use of, or injury to, telephone and telegraph lines; copying or obstructing messages; penalty","url":"\/18.2-164\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-164","metadata":false},{"id":350378,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165","catch_line":"Unlawful use of, or injury to, television or radio signals and equipment","url":"\/18.2-165\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165","metadata":false},{"id":350376,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165.1","catch_line":"Tampering with or unlawful use of cable television service","url":"\/18.2-165.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.1","metadata":false},{"id":350377,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165.2","catch_line":"Unlawful interference with emergency two-way radio communications; penalty","url":"\/18.2-165.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.2","metadata":false},{"id":350379,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-166","catch_line":"Disclosing or inducing disclosure of certain information concerning customers of telephone companies","url":"\/18.2-166\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-166","metadata":false},{"id":350381,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-167","catch_line":"Selling or transferring certain telephonic instruments","url":"\/18.2-167\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-167","metadata":false},{"id":350380,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-167.1","catch_line":"Interception or monitoring of customer telephone calls; penalty","url":"\/18.2-167.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-167.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":350378,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165","catch_line":"Unlawful use of, or injury to, television or radio signals and equipment","url":"\/18.2-165\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":350377,"structure_id":50143,"section_number":"18.2-165.2","catch_line":"Unlawful interference with emergency two-way radio communications; penalty","url":"\/18.2-165.2\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-165.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1978. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 712 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1978 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1979, chapter 500; in 1981, chapter 197; in 1991, chapter 502.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1392915,"object_type":"law","relational_id":350376,"identifier":"18.2-165.1","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.1","url":"\/18.2-165.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-165.1\/","token":"18.2\/5\/8\/18.2-165.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Tampering with or unlawful use of cable television service","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-165.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Any person who (i) shall knowingly obtain or attempt to obtain cable television service from another by means, artifice, trick, deception or device without the payment to the operator of such service of all lawful compensation for each type of service obtained; (ii) shall knowingly, and with <span class=\"dictionary\">intent<\/span> to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected, assist or instruct any other person in obtaining or attempting to obtain any cable television service without the payment to the operator of said service of all lawful compensation; (iii) shall knowingly tamper or otherwise interfere with or connect to by any means whether mechanical, electrical, acoustical or other, any cables, wires, or other devices used for the distribution of cable television service without authority from the operator of such service; or (iv) shall knowingly sell, rent, lend, promote, offer or advertise for sale, rental or use any device of any description or any plan for making or assembling the same to any person, with knowledge that the person intends to use such device or plan to do any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned or if the device or plan was represented either directly or indirectly by the person distributing it as having the ability to facilitate the doing of any of the acts hereinbefore mentioned, shall be guilty of a Class 6 <span class=\"dictionary\">felony<\/span> if convicted under clause (ii) or (iv) above and shall be guilty of a Class 1 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span> if convicted under clause (i) or (iii) above.<\/p><p>As used herein, cable television service shall include any and all services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or closed <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> coaxial cable communications system or any microwave, satellite or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> coaxial cable communications system.<\/p><p>In any <span class=\"dictionary\">prosecution<\/span> under this section, the existence on property in the actual <span class=\"dictionary\">possession<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">accused<\/span>, of any connection, wire, conductor, or any device whatsoever, which permits the use of cable television service without the same being reported for payment to and specifically authorized by the operator of the cable television service shall be prima facie <span class=\"dictionary\">evidence<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">intent<\/span> to violate and of the violation of this section by the <span class=\"dictionary\">accused<\/span>.<\/p><p>Nothing contained in this section shall be construed so as to abrogate or interfere with any <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> right or remedy of any person having a <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> with the owner of a television coaxial cable, or a cablevision system, or a microwave radio system.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTAMPERING WITH OR UNLAWFUL USE OF CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE (\u00a7 18.2-165.1)\n\nAny person who (i) shall knowingly obtain or attempt to obtain cable television\nservice from another by means, artifice, trick, deception or device without the\npayment to the operator of such service of all lawful compensation for each type\nof service obtained; (ii) shall knowingly, and with intent to profit thereby\nfrom any consideration received or expected, assist or instruct any other person\nin obtaining or attempting to obtain any cable television service without the\npayment to the operator of said service of all lawful compensation; (iii) shall\nknowingly tamper or otherwise interfere with or connect to by any means whether\nmechanical, electrical, acoustical or other, any cables, wires, or other devices\nused for the distribution of cable television service without authority from the\noperator of such service; or (iv) shall knowingly sell, rent, lend, promote,\noffer or advertise for sale, rental or use any device of any description or any\nplan for making or assembling the same to any person, with knowledge that the\nperson intends to use such device or plan to do any of the acts hereinbefore\nmentioned or if the device or plan was represented either directly or indirectly\nby the person distributing it as having the ability to facilitate the doing of\nany of the acts hereinbefore mentioned, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony if\nconvicted under clause (ii) or (iv) above and shall be guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor if convicted under clause (i) or (iii) above.\n\nAs used herein, cable television service shall include any and all services\nprovided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or closed\ncircuit coaxial cable communications system or any microwave, satellite or\nsimilar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system\nor other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.\n\nIn any prosecution under this section, the existence on property in the actual\npossession of the accused, of any connection, wire, conductor, or any device\nwhatsoever, which permits the use of cable television service without the same\nbeing reported for payment to and specifically authorized by the operator of the\ncable television service shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate and\nof the violation of this section by the accused.\n\nNothing contained in this section shall be construed so as to abrogate or\ninterfere with any contract right or remedy of any person having a contract with\nthe owner of a television coaxial cable, or a cablevision system, or a microwave\nradio system.\n\nHISTORY: 1978, c. 712; 1979, c. 500; 1981, c. 197; 1991, c. 502.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}