§ 34-15-19 — Obtaining Accommodations by Fraud or Misrepresentation; Prima Facie Evidence

Proof that food, lodging, or other accommodation was obtained by false pretense or by false or fictitious show or pretense of any baggage or other property by such person obtaining such food, lodging, or other accommodation, or that such person absconded or left the state without paying or offering to pay for such food, lodging, or other accommodation, or that such person gave in payment, or in part payment, for such food, lodging, or other accommodation any check or draft on which check or draft payment was refused on due presentation or that such person surreptitiously removed, or attempted to remove, from such hotel, boardinghouse, or eating house the baggage or other property brought with him or her thereto without having paid, or offered to pay, for such food, lodging, or other accommodation so furnished him or her shall be prima facie evidence of the fraud or misrepresentation, or intent to deceive or defraud, mentioned in Sections 13A-8-10 through 13A-8-10.3. No person shall be convicted under the provisions of Sections 13A-8-10 through 13A-8-10.3 where there has been an express agreement to delay payment for such food, lodging, or other accommodation until a date after such person terminates his or her relation as a guest at such hotel, boardinghouse, or eating house.

Legislative History

(Acts 1915, No. 122, p. 152, §2; Code 1923, §4149; Code 1940, T. 24, §19; Acts 1959, No. 412, p. 1046, §1.)