Texas Penal Code 31.14 – Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device

Attorney Trey Porter
Trey Porter
In this article:

Texas Penal Code 31.14 – Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device

WHAT IS SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

Selling or leasing multichannel video or information services devices is a misdemeanor offense in Texas, in addition to manufacturing or distributing equipment used to steal cable television or streaming services.

Texas Penal Code 31.14 - Sale or Lease of Multichannel Video or Information Services Device

WHAT IS THE SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE LAW IN TEXAS?

Tex. Penal Code § 31.14. SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly sells or leases, with an intent to aid in the commission of an offense under Section 31.12, a device, a kit or part for a device, or a plan for a system of components wholly or partly designed to make intelligible an encrypted, encoded, scrambled, or other nonstandard signal carried or caused by a multichannel video or information services provider.

. . .

(c) This section does not prohibit the sale or lease of satellite receiving antennas that are otherwise permitted by state or federal law without providing notice to the comptroller.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY CLASS FOR SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

Sale or lease of a multichannel or information services device is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail.

WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT RANGE FOR SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

Selling or leasing a multichannel or information services device, a Class A misdemeanor, carries a maximum jail sentence of one year, and up to a $4,000 fine.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

A person charged with selling or leasing a multichannel video or information services device may be placed on probation after a conviction, or deferred adjudication without a conviction, for up to two years.

WHAT ARE THE DEFENSES TO SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

The statute does not authorize specific defenses to the sale or lease of multichannel video or information services devices. A person accused thereof may assert any defense in an attempt to negate at least one of the elements the State must prove at trial. For example, an accused may argue he or she lacked the requisite knowledge or intent to commit the offense.

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS?

The statute of limitations for the sale or lease of a multichannel video or information services device, a Class A misdemeanor, is two years.

SALE OR LEASE OF MULTICHANNEL VIDEO OR INFORMATION SERVICES DEVICE IN TEXAS

The Legislature criminalized all activity related to the theft of or tampering with multichannel video or information services, including the sale or lease of the equipment required to steal such services.

Did like a post? Share it with:
Attorney Trey Porter

Trey Porter

Trey Porter is one of the highest-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Nationally recognized, Mr. Porter relentlessly fights to protect and assert his clients’ constitutional rights in and out of courtrooms across the state.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it’s time to start building your defense.

Related Posts

Let's Get Legal on YouTube!

Tune In for Legal Tips, Laughs, and Learning

Explore More Legal Adventures: Discover Related Posts

Discover Related Posts

Categories

Explore Our Legal Categories

constitutional rights

CRIMINAL CHARGES

DRIVER'S LICENSES

DWI CHARGES

EXPUNGEMENT

FELONY CHARGES

MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

PROBATION

Testimonials

What our clients think about us

Unlock the Perks of Choosing Us!

 

Request
a free consultation

Contact Trey Porter Today

The stakes are high. Criminal charges can have devastating, lifelong consequences. During the free, confidential consultation, Mr. Porter will answer questions surrounding your legal matter, and discuss and identify potential defenses.
Contact Trey Porter Today
Request a free consultation