Colorado Code § 18-4-701

Theft of cable service - definitions
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this section
(1) As used in this part 7, unless the
context otherwise requires:
(a) "Cable operator" means any person who:
(I) Provides cable service over a cable system in which such person directly or through
one or more affiliates owns a significant interest; or
(II) Controls or is responsible for the management and operation of such cable system
through any arrangement.
(b) "Cable service" means:
(I) The one-way transmission to subscribers of a video programming service;
(II) Two-way interactive services delivered over a cable system;
(III) Subscriber interaction, if any, that is required for the selection or use of such video
programming or interactive service.
(c) "Cable system" means a facility consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and
associated signal operation, reception, and control equipment that is designed to provide cable
service.
(2) A person commits theft of cable service if such person knowingly:
(a) Obtains cable service from a cable operator by trick, artifice, deception, use of an
unauthorized device or decoder, or other means without authorization or with the intent to
deprive such cable operator of lawful compensation for the services rendered;
(b) (I) Makes or maintains, without authority from or payment to a cable operator, a
connection or connections, whether physical, electrical, mechanical, acoustical, or otherwise
with any cable, wire, component, or other device used for the distribution of cable services.
(II) Notwithstanding subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (b), this paragraph (b) shall not
include circumstances where a person has attached a wire or cable to extend service that the
person has paid for or that has been authorized to an additional outlet, or where the cable
operator has failed to disconnect a previously authorized cable service.
(c) Modifies, alters, or maintains a modification or alteration to a device installed or
capable of being installed with the authorization of a cable operator, which modification or
alteration is for the purpose of intercepting or receiving cable service carried by such cable
operator without authority from or payment to such cable operator;
(d) Possesses without authority, with the intent to receive cable operator services without
authorization from or payment to a cable operator, a device or printed circuit board designed in
whole or in part to facilitate the following acts:
(I) To receive cable services offered for sale over a cable system; or
(II) To perform or facilitate the performance of any act set forth in paragraphs (a) to (c)
of this subsection (2).
(e) Manufactures, imports into this state, distributes, sells, leases, or offers or advertises
for sale or lease, with the intent to receive cable services or with the intent to promote the
reception of cable services without payment or authorization from a cable operator, any device,
printed circuit board, or plan or kit for a device or printed circuit board designed in whole or in
part to facilitate the following acts:
(I) To receive any cable services offered for sale over a cable system; or
(II) To perform or facilitate the performance of any act set forth in paragraphs (a) to (c)
of this subsection (2).
(f) Fails to return or surrender equipment used to receive cable service and provided by a
cable operator, after such service has been terminated for any reason.
(3) This section does not apply to satellite dishes.
(4) Any person who violates this section commits a petty offense.

‹ Prev All Colorado sections Next ›


Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.