fraudulent tapping of meters, Wisconsin laws on electrical, gas, or water meter tapping

If you intentionally defraud a utility company in Wisconsin through fraudulent tapping of electric wires, gas meters or water pipes, you could face misdemeanor penalties of up to a $500 fine, 30 days in prison, or both, if convicted. If facing such charges, working with a defense attorney could improve your outlook.

Fraudulent Tapping & your record
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Criminal Defense Attorney for 941.36 Fraudulent Tapping Of Electric Wires Or Gas Or Water Meters Or Pipes

Grieve Law is not a general practitioner law firm. Criminal Defense is practically everything the firm does. Staffed by criminal defense attorneys who are former prosecutors, our firm understands the letter of the law and how things tend to play out in practice.

If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Greater Milwaukee, please contact us today.

The following legal summary may be outdated due to changes in the law. Grieve Law makes no claims regarding the accuracy of the information below. If you are facing criminal charges, you should consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Overview of Wisconsin Statute 941.36: Fraudulent Tapping Of Electric Wires Or Gas Or Water Meters Or Pipes

In Wisconsin, it is a Class C misdemeanor to tap electric wires, gas meters, or water pipes with the intent to defraud a utility company. The statute specifies that it is illegal to:

  • Connect or cause to be connected by wire or any other device with the wire, cables, or conductors of any utility provider.
  • Connect or disconnect or interfere in any way with the meters, pipes, or conduits of the provider.

Any evidence of interference with meters, pipes, conduits, or connections is presumptive evidence that the person getting electricity, gas, or water from those conveyances interfered with them in an attempt to defraud the provider.

In Wisconsin, how long does a fraudulent tapping of utilities charge stay on your record?

Fraudulently tapping into electric, gas or water utilities could lead to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in prison and a permanent listing on your Wisconsin record if convicted.