North Carolina § 14-56 - 1. Breaking into or forcibly opening coin- or currency-operated machines.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-56 — 1. Breaking into or forcibly opening coin- or currency-operated machines., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-56. 1. Breaking into or forcibly opening coin- or currency-operated machines.
Any person who forcibly breaks into, or by the unauthorized use of a key or other instrument opens, any coin- or currency-operated machine with intent to steal any property or moneys therein shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, but if such person has previously been convicted of violating this section, such person shall be punished as a Class I felon. The term "coin- or currency-operated machine" shall mean any coin- or currency-operated vending machine, pay telephone, telephone coin or currency receptacle, or other coin- or currency-activated machine or device. There shall be posted on the machines referred to in G.S. 14-56.1 a decal stating that it is a crime to break into vending machines, and that a second offense is a felony. The absence of such a decal is not a defense to a prosecution for the crime described in this section. History (1963, c. 814, s. 1; 1977, c. 723, ss. 1, 3; 1979, c. 760, s. 5; c. 767, s. 1; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1316, s. 47; 1981, c. 63, s. 1; c. 179, s. 14; 1993, c. 539, ss. 27, 1153; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).) Cross References. - For structured sentencing provisions, see G.S. 15A-1340.10 et seq.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-56
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-56 cover?
Section 14-56 ("1. Breaking into or forcibly opening coin- or currency-operated machines.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina § 14-56?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-56" (North Carolina). 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 North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 14-56 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.