2017 West Virginia Code
CHAPTER 61. CRIMES AND THEIR PUNISHMENT.
ARTICLE 3. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY.
§61-3-45A. Unlawful opening of pipes, pipelines, tanks, etc.; penalties.
Every person who, with intent to injure, or for the purpose of destroying, injuring, impairing, breaking, damaging or unlawfully opening, or of taking, stealing, and carrying away, or of permitting or causing to escape on the ground or into the air, any of the contents thereof, shall open, or cause to be opened, in any manner, any pipe or pipes or line of pipe or pipes or any tank, receptacle or container connected therewith, containing or used and useful in transporting or storing petroleum, crude or refined, gasoline, gas (natural, casinghead or manufactured), or any of the by-products of petroleum or gas, either liquid or gaseous, belonging to another, without such other's consent, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by confinement in the county jail not less than two nor more than twelve months, and in addition thereto, in the discretion of the court, may be fined not exceeding $300. Every person, upon conviction for the second or any subsequent offense under this section shall be guilty of a felony and, shall be confined in the penitentiary of this state not less than one nor more than three years. Justices of the peace shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit, criminal or intermediate courts to enforce the misdemeanor penalties prescribed by this section.
