                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

TAMPERING WITH METERING DEVICE; DIVERTING SERVICE; CIVIL LIABILITY (§ 18.2-163)

A. Any person who (i) tampers with any metering device incident to the
facilities set forth in &#xA7; 18.2-162, or otherwise intentionally prevents
such a metering device from properly registering the degree, amount or quantity
of service supplied, or (ii) diverts such service, except telephonic or
electronic extension service not owned or controlled by any such company without
authorization from the owner of the facility furnishing the service to the
public, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. The presence of any metering device found to have been altered, tampered
with, or bypassed in a manner that would cause the metering device to
inaccurately measure and register the degree, amount or quantity of service
supplied or which would cause the service to be diverted from the recording
apparatus of the meter shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate and of
the violation of this section by the person to whose benefit it is that such
service be unmetered, unregistered or diverted.

C. The court may order restitution for the value of the services unlawfully used
and for all costs. Such costs shall be limited to actual expenses, including the
base wages of employees acting as witnesses for the Commonwealth, and suit
costs. However, the total amount of allowable costs granted hereunder shall not
exceed $250, excluding the value of the service.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 18.1-158.1; 1966, c. 446; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 273;
1978, c. 813; 1992, c. 525.