CHAPTER 720, ILCS 5/ - CRIMINAL CODE DIVISION I

720 ILCS 5/16-14

Sec. 16-14. Theft of utility services.

Illinois Compiled Statute
720 ILCS 5/16-14
Offense Description
Theft of utility service
Offense Classification
Class A Misdemeanor
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
SAFE-T Act Pretrial Detention Eligibility (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1)
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
EXECUTIVE SYNOPSIS · ILLINOIS LEGAL STANDARDS Governing Authority: ILGA & Supreme Court Rules

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/16-14 (Theft of utility service) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. Statutory sentencing scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.

Offense Class & Sentencing Scope Class A Misdemeanor

Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500

Court Appearance Mandate Release on Notice (No Mandate)

Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Pretrial Fairness Act (SAFE-T Act) Presumptive Pretrial Release

Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.

Secretary of State License Sanction Standard Administrative Protocol

No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Classification Class A Misdemeanor
Court Appearance Pre-set Bond / Release on Notice
SAFE-T Act Detention Release Eligible (Conditions Apply)
SOS Reporting Code None Assigned

Associated Offense Codes & Classifications (1)

Offense Description Class Court Mandate SAFE-T Act Reporting Code Official ILGA
Theft of utility service Official ILGA · 720 ILCS 5/16-14 -> Class A Misdemeanor Release on Notice Release Eligible — ILGA.gov ->

Illinois General Assembly Statutory Text (Verbatim)

Source: ilga.gov ->

Sec. 16-14. Theft of utility services.

(a)

(a) A person commits theft of utility services when he or she knowingly, without authority, diverts or interferes with any public water, gas, power supply, or other public services or installs any device with the intent to divert or interfere with any public water, gas, power supply, or other public services without the authority of the owner or entity furnishing or transmitting such product or services.

(b)

(b) Sentence.

(1)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), a violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor unless the offense was committed for remuneration, in which case it is a Class 4 felony. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), a second or subsequent violation of this Section is a Class 4 felony. (3) If the offense causes disruption of the public utility services or delay in the restoration of the public utility services to 10 or more customers or affects an area of more than one square mile, a violation of this Section is a Class 2 felony. (c) This Section does not apply to the theft of telecommunication services.

(Source: P.A. 97-597, eff. 1-1-12.)

Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis

Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 720 ILCS 5/16-14 in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/16-14 (Theft of utility service) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.

Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500

Is a court appearance mandatory for 720 ILCS 5/16-14 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?

No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.

Is an individual accused of 720 ILCS 5/16-14 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?

Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.

What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 720 ILCS 5/16-14?

Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.

Official Legal Citation Formats

Legal & Academic Reference

Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.

Illinois Supreme Court Citation 720 ILCS 5/16-14 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.) 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/16-14 (2026)
Canonical Web Reference https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/720-ilcs-5-16-14
Cross-Referenced ILCS Codes