A family at a campground drives off without paying a $360 bill for utilities; what is the charge?

• A. Defrauding Innkeeper - Felony
• B. Defrauding Innkeeper - Misdemeanor
• C. Larceny
• D. Fraud

Answer: (B)

Failing to pay for services received at a lodging or campground falls under defrauding innkeeper. This category captures obtaining services by deceptive or fraudulent means, such as leaving without paying a bill for utilities used. The amount involved matters for how it’s classified: with a bill of $360, many jurisdictions consider this within the misdemeanor range, so the offense is defrauding innkeeper—misdemeanor.

Larceny would require taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive, which isn’t the focus here since no physical property was taken—it's the failure to pay for services. Fraud is a broader term for deceitful schemes, but defrauding innkeeper is the specific statute that fits this situation, making it the more precise charge. The misdemeanor classification reflects the value and nature of the offense in most jurisdictions.