If you agreed to pay for a service but failed to do it on completion of the service, it is termed as a theft of service. If you use threat or deception to obtain services, it may also be classified as theft of services. Using a person's Wi-Fi connection, without his/her permission, is the most common form of theft of service.
Typically, theft of services is prosecuted as larceny. It may also be prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor. It depends on the value of services that you obtain illegally. Theft of services encompasses a variety of criminal activity such as:
· Tampering with or even bypassing the utility meter with a view to understate the consumption.
· Leaving a restaurant or hotel, a doctor's office or any such establishment without making payment for the services received.
· Evading fee or fare payment after using a public transit vehicle or entering a private facility that requires you to pay a fee before entering, etc. An example would be jumping over the fence at a rock concert or a fair.
· Fleeing from a taxi in order to avoid fee payment.
· Retaining a rented property beyond the due date and continuing to use the same without making payments.
This is not an exhaustive list of theft of services and it should not be confused with payment rejections which are reasonable. It is O.K. to not pay for services that are not as advertised and that do not meet reasonable quality standards. For instance, if the new roof installed by a roofer leaks, you hold back payment till the leak is fixed. However, if you withhold payment without a proper reason, it would be considered as larceny.
Theft of services is defined differently by each state. However, in most states it is a misdemeanor and the value of the services stolen determines the level of crime. Even if it is considered as a misdemeanor, the consequences of a conviction can be significant as it may sometimes be interpreted as "crime of moral turpitude". In addition to a jail term or fine, and you may lose your eligibility for certain housing opportunities and jobs.
If you as an individual have this habit, theft classes online may be the best option for you to get rehabilitated in order to stop any such behavior before you are caught. Theft classes online provide theft awareness classes to individuals who may want to take a program related to theft, stealing, petty theft, shoplifting or larceny. The classes are designed to meet court-ordered, legal, professional or school requirements.
Once you register for the course, you will get access to the member's page and take classes any time of the day from any web browser. You do not need any type of sophisticated computer skills. The classes are self-paced, meaning you can sign in or out any time to complete your course. On completion of the course, you will be provided with a Certificate of Completion at no extra charge.
