Louisiana § RS 14:221 - Avoiding payment for telecommunications services, cable television services, or multipoint distribution system service
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:221 — Avoiding payment for telecommunications services, cable television services, or multipoint distribution system service, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:221. Avoiding payment for telecommunications services, cable television services, or multipoint distribution system service
A. Avoidance of payment for telecommunication, cable television, or multipoint distribution system services is the avoidance, attempt to avoid, or the causing of another person to avoid, the lawful charges, in whole or in part, for any telephone, telegraph, cable, or multipoint distribution system service utilized or for the transmission of a message, signal, or other communication over telephone, telegraph, cable facilities, or multipoint distribution system:
(1) By the use of a code, prearranged scheme, or other similar strategem or device whereby such person, in effect, sends or receives information; or
(2) By rearranging, tampering or interfering with, or making unauthorized connection with any facilities or equipment of a telephone or telegraph company, whether physically, inductively, acoustically, or otherwise; or
(3) By intercepting and decoding a transmission by a multipoint distribution system without the authorization of the provider of the service, the person intentionally or knowingly attaches to, causes to be attached to, or incorporates in a television set, video tape recorder, or other equipment designed to receive a television transmission a device that intercepts and decodes the transmission.
(4) By the use of any other fraudulent means, method, trick, or device.
B.(1) On a first conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
(2) On a second conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, or both.
C. Nothing herein shall prohibit the use of earth station receivers to receive satellite communications.
Added by Acts 1966, No. 305, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 145, §1; Acts 1982, No. 751, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:221
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:221 cover?
Section RS 14:221 ("Avoiding payment for telecommunications services, cable television services, or multipoint distribution system service") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:221?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:221" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 14:221 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.