943.47 Theft of satellite cable programming.

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Encrypt," when used with respect to satellite cable programming, means to transmit that programming in a form whereby the aural or visual characteristics or both are altered to prevent the unauthorized reception of that programming by persons without authorized equipment which is designed to eliminate the effects of that alteration.

(b) “Satellite cable programming" means encrypted video programming which is transmitted via satellite for direct reception by satellite dish owners for a fee.

(2) Prohibitions. No person may decode encrypted satellite cable programming without authority.

(3) Criminal penalties. The following penalties apply for violations of this section:

(a) Except as provided in pars. (b) to (d), any person who intentionally violates sub. (2) is subject to a Class C forfeiture.

(b) Except as provided in pars. (c) and (d), any person who violates sub. (2) as a 2nd or subsequent offense is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(c) Except as provided in par. (d), any person who violates sub. (2) for direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) Any person who violates sub. (2) for direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain as a 2nd or subsequent offense is guilty of a Class I felony.

(5) Exception. This section does not affect the use by a person of satellite cable programming if the programming has been paid for and the use is exclusive to the person's dwelling unit.

History: 1987 a. 345; 1993 a. 496; 2001 a. 109; 2015 a. 196.