(1) A person is guilty of theft of telecommunication services if he or she knowingly and with intent to avoid payment:

Attorney's Note

Under the Washington Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
class C felonyup to 5 yearsup to $10,000
For details, see Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.20.021

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Terms Used In Washington Code 9A.56.262

  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Services: includes , but is not limited to, labor, professional services, transportation services, electronic computer services, the supplying of hotel accommodations, restaurant services, entertainment, the supplying of equipment for use, and the supplying of commodities of a public utility nature such as gas, electricity, steam, and water;
Washington Code 9A.56.010
  • Telecommunication device: means (a) any type of instrument, device, machine, or equipment that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic or electronic communications; or (b) any part of such an instrument, device, machine, or equipment, or any computer circuit, computer chip, electronic mechanism, or other component, that is capable of facilitating the transmission or reception of telephonic or electronic communications;
  • Washington Code 9A.56.010
  • Telecommunication service: includes any service other than subscription television service provided for a charge or compensation to facilitate the transmission, transfer, or reception of a telephonic communication or an electronic communication;
  • Washington Code 9A.56.010
    (a) Uses a telecommunication device to obtain telecommunication services without having entered into a prior agreement with a telecommunication service provider to pay for the telecommunication services; or
    (b) Possesses a telecommunication device.
    (2) Theft of telecommunication services is a class C felony.

    NOTES:

    Telecommunications crime: Chapter 9.26A RCW.