In Washington State a misdemeanor Theft of subscription television services offense can have a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor you could be facing jail time and trouble securing employment in the future.
Often times Theft charges are prosecuted in city courts with differing procedures and penalties. Although a Theft of subscription television services charge may sounds relatively harmless, it can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to obtain housing, find employment and attend institutions of higher education. Additionally, property crimes like Theft create significant barriers to employment for many people. If convicted many employers will simply pass over your application for years to come. Additionally, government employment and military service may be impossible.
For many people charged with Theft of subscription television services this is the first time they have been on the wrong side of the law. Additionally, many are juveniles and have a bright future ahead of them. Also, police often charge the wrong person in this type of crime and have little proof that the accused person actually was the one who hooked up the cable box. In many cases it was the cable company that made the mistake.
Below I have listed the Washington State Law for Theft of subscription television services:
