Wisconsin Statutes

Wis. Stat. § 943.47 (2026)

Theft of satellite cable programming

✓ current as of July 2026

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943.47943.47 Theft of satellite cable programming.

943.47(1)(1) Definitions. In this section:

943.47(1)(a)(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.

943.47(1)(b)(b) “Satellite cable programming” means encrypted video programming which is transmitted via satellite for direct reception by satellite dish owners for a fee.

943.47(2)(2) Prohibitions. No person may decode encrypted satellite cable programming without authority.

943.47(3)(3) Criminal penalties. The following penalties apply for violations of this section:

943.47(3)(a)(a) Except as provided in pars. (b) to (d), any person who intentionally violates sub. (2) is subject to a Class C forfeiture.

943.47(3)(b)(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.

943.47(3)(c)(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.

943.47(3)(d)(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.

943.47(5)(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.

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

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 2012–2019 · leading case: Jamerson v. Dep't of Child. & Families, 2012 WI App 32 (Wis. Ct. App. 2012).

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Jamerson v. Dep't of Child. & Families, 2012 WI App 32 (Wis. Ct. App. 2012). · cites it 2× “Crimes subject to the permanent bar include: theft of satellite cable programming ( Wis. Stat. § 943.47 (2)); theft of video service ( Wis.”

State v. Autumn Marie Love Lopez (Wis. 2019). · cites it 2× “46 (currently entitled "Theft of video service") and Wis. Stat. § 943.47 , ("Theft of satellite cable programming") were enacted in 1987.”

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