CHAPTER 13. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
IC 35-45-13
Chapter 13. Unauthorized Use of Telecommunications Services
IC 35-45-13-1
"Manufacture of an unlawful telecommunications device" defined
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "manufacture of an unlawful
telecommunications device" means:
(1) the production or assembly of an unlawful
telecommunications device; or
(2) the modification, alteration, programming, or
reprogramming of a telecommunications device to render it
capable of acquiring or facilitating the acquisition of
telecommunications service without the consent of the
telecommunications service provider.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-2
"Publish" defined
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "publish" means the
communication or dissemination of information to at least one (1)
person by any of the following methods:
(1) Orally.
(2) In person.
(3) By telephone, radio, or television.
(4) In a writing of any kind, including a letter, memorandum,
circular handbill, newspaper, magazine article, or book.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-3
"Telecommunications device" defined
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "telecommunications device"
means:
(1) a type of instrument, device, machine, or piece of equipment
that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic,
electronic, or radio communications;
(2) a part of an instrument, a device, a machine, or a piece of
equipment that is capable of transmitting or receiving
telephonic, electronic, or radio communications; or
(3) a computer circuit, a computer chip, an electronic
mechanism, or any other component that is capable of
facilitating the transmission or reception of telephonic,
electronic, or radio communications.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-4
"Telecommunications service" defined
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "telecommunications service"
means a service provided for a charge or compensation to facilitate
the origination, transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals,
data, writings, images, sounds, or intelligence of any nature by:
(1) telephone, including cellular or other wireless telephones;
(2) wire;
(3) radio; or
(4) an electromagnetic, a photoelectronic, or a photo-optical
system.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-5
"Telecommunications service provider" defined
Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "telecommunications service
provider" means a person or an entity:
(1) providing telecommunications service, including a cellular,
paging, or other wireless communications company; or
(2) that, for a fee, supplies the facility, cell site, mobile
telephone switching office, or other equipment for a
telecommunications service.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-6
"Unlawful telecommunications device" defined
Sec. 6. (a) As used in this chapter, "unlawful telecommunications
device" means a telecommunications device that:
(1) is capable of; or
(2) has been altered, modified, programmed, or reprogrammed,
alone or in conjunction with another access device or other
equipment, to render the telecommunications device capable of;
acquiring or facilitating the acquisition of an electronic serial
number, a mobile identification number, or a personal identification
number of any telecommunications service without the consent of a
telecommunications service provider.
(b) The term does not include a device operated by a law
enforcement agency in the course of its activities.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-7
Unauthorized use of telecommunication services
Sec. 7. A person who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) makes, distributes, possesses, uses, or assembles an
unlawful telecommunications device that is designed, adapted,
or used to:
(A) commit a theft of telecommunications service;
(B) acquire or facilitate the acquisition of
telecommunications service without the consent of the
telecommunications service provider; or
(C) conceal, or assist another in concealing, from a
telecommunication services provider or authority, or from
another person with enforcement authority, the existence or
place of origin or destination of telecommunications;
(2) sells, possesses, distributes, gives, transports, or otherwise
transfers to another or offers or advertises for sale:
(A) an unlawful telecommunications device, with the intent
to use the unlawful telecommunications device or allow the
device to be used for a purpose described in subdivision (1),
or while knowing or having reason to believe that the device
is intended to be so used;
(B) plans or instructions for making or assembling an
unlawful telecommunications device, knowing or having
reason to believe that the plans or instructions are intended
to be used for making or assembling an unlawful
telecommunications device; or
(C) material, including hardware, cables, tools, data,
computer software, or other information or equipment,
knowing that the purchaser or a third person intends to use
the material in the manufacture of an unlawful
telecommunications device; or
(3) publishes:
(A) the number or code of an existing, a canceled, a revoked,
or a nonexistent telephone number, credit number, or other
credit device; or
(B) the method of numbering or coding that is employed in
the issuance of telephone numbers, credit numbers, or other
credit devices;
with knowledge or reason to believe that the information may
be used to avoid the payment of a lawful telephone or telegraph
toll charge;
commits unauthorized use of telecommunication services, a Class A
misdemeanor. However, if the commission of the offense involves at
least five (5) unlawful telecommunications devices the offense is a
Class D felony.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23.
IC 35-45-13-8
Restitution; civil action to obtain relief
Sec. 8. (a) The court may, in addition to any other sentence
imposed for a conviction under this chapter, order a person convicted
under this chapter to make restitution for the offense.
(b) A person or an entity that is the victim of an offense under this
chapter may, in a civil action brought in the circuit or superior court
in the county in which the person who committed the offense under
this chapter was convicted, obtain appropriate relief, including
preliminary and other equitable or declaratory relief, compensatory
and punitive damages, reasonable investigation expense, court costs
(including fees), and attorney's fees.
As added by P.L.216-1996, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.106-2010,
SEC.16.