Wisconsin Statutes Crimes (Ch. 938 to 951) § 943.47. Theft of satellite cable programming

(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.

(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.