Most states have a specific statute (often called defrauding an innkeeper) that makes it a criminal offense to obtain food, lodging, fuel, or other accommodations at a restaurant, hotel, ski resort, campground, marina, gas station, or other establishment, with the intent not to pay for such goods and services—or to secure credit at such an establishment through fraud or other means of deceit (false pretenses). Proof that a person refused or neglected to pay for such food, lodging, fuel, or accommodations, or gave payment that was not honored (declined credit card, bad check) is generally proof of such fraudulent intent not to pay for the goods or services.

The definitions and punishment for this criminal offense vary from state to state, but generally may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony, and may include confinement in jail or state prison. In some states, if the amount owed was disputed and the amount offered in payment was refused, a person cannot be convicted under the statute.

In Louisiana, the offense of defrauding an innkeeper is covered under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:68.1, which makes it illegal to obtain services such as food, lodging, or other accommodations without payment or with the intent to defraud the provider of those services. This includes leaving a hotel without paying, securing a meal at a restaurant with no intent to pay, or filling a vehicle with fuel and driving off without settling the bill. The statute also covers instances where someone uses a declined credit card or a bad check as payment. The severity of the charge in Louisiana can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the services stolen. If the value is less than $300, it is generally treated as a misdemeanor, while amounts exceeding this threshold can be prosecuted as a felony. However, if there is a genuine dispute over the amount owed and a reasonable payment is offered and refused, this may serve as a defense against a charge under this statute.