If the value is $500 or more but less than $1,500, what is the offense classification for unauthorized use of telecommunications services?

• A. State Jail Felony
• B. Class A Misdemeanor
• C. Class B Misdemeanor
• D. 2nd Degree Felony

Answer: (B)

The amount involved drives the punishment. For unauthorized use of telecommunications services, when the value of the services used is at least $500 but less than $1,500, the offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This places it at the higher end of misdemeanor penalties, recognizing that using a substantial amount of someone else’s service without payment is more serious than smaller, lower-value cases. Class A misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Values below $500 would fall into a lower category, while higher values can escalate to felonies, which explains why this specific range is labeled as a Class A misdemeanor.