South Dakota § 49-34-16 - Unauthorized or fraudulent connection as misdemeanor--Civil liability unaffected.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-34-16 — Unauthorized or fraudulent connection as misdemeanor--Civil liability unaffected., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-34-16. Unauthorized or fraudulent connection as misdemeanor--Civil liability unaffected.
It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person without lawful authority to connect or cause to be connected with a main or service pipe or conductor of heat, refrigeration, air conditioning, gas, water or electricity, a pipe, wire or other device for the purpose of obtaining gas, water, electrical current, heat or other service therefrom; or to, with intent to defraud, connect or cause to be connected with any meter installed by such company for the purpose of registering the amount of gas, water, electricity, heat or other service supplied to a customer, any pipe, wire or other device, or to disconnect, change, or in any manner interfere with any such meter or any pipe, wire or appliance connected therewith, so that such meter will not measure or register the full amount of gas, water, electricity, heat or other service supplied to a customer. Nothing in this section shall affect the right of a service company to recover by an action at law for the loss of gas, water, electricity, heat or other service, or any injury caused by such unlawful connection.
Source: SDC 1939, § 13.1813; SL 1983, ch 15, § 138.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 49-34-16
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-34-16 cover?
Section 49-34-16 ("Unauthorized or fraudulent connection as misdemeanor--Civil liability unaffected.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. 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 South Dakota § 49-34-16?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-34-16" (South Dakota). 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 South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 49-34-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.