Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 45. CRIMES

CHAPTER 6. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY

Part 3. Theft and Related Offenses

Obtaining Communication Services With Intent To Defraud

45-6-306. Obtaining communication services with intent to defraud. In a prosecution under 45-6-305 for theft of telephone, telegraph, or cable television services, the element of deception is established by proof that the defendant obtained such services by any of the following means:

(1) by use of a code, prearranged scheme, or other similar stratagem or device whereby said person, in effect, sends or receives information;

(2) by installing, rearranging, or tampering with any facilities or equipment, whether physically, inductively, acoustically, or electronically;

(3) by any other trick, stratagem, impersonation, false pretense, false representation, false statement, contrivance, device, or means; or

(4) by making, assembling, or possessing any instrument, apparatus, equipment, or device or the plans or instructions for the making or assembling of any instrument, apparatus, equipment, or device which is designed, adapted, or otherwise intended to be used to avoid the lawful charge, in whole or in part, for any telecommunications service by concealing the existence, place of origin, or destination of any telecommunications.

History: En. 94-6-304.1 by Sec. 1, Ch. 156, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 175, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 94-6-304.1.