THEFT & PROPERTY CRIMES

Unlawfully taking property with intent to deprive the owner.

What to know:
• Charges are based on the value of the property
• Can range from misdemeanor to felony
• Prior offenses can enhance penalties

Taking merchandise from a store without paying.

What to know:
• Often supported by store surveillance and loss prevention
• May include additional civil penalties from the retailer
• Even small amounts can lead to criminal charges

Entering a building or habitation without consent to commit a crime.

What to know:
• Does not require theft to occur
• Can be charged for intent alone
• Often charged as a felony, especially for homes

Theft involving force, threats, or intimidation.

What to know:

• More serious than theft due to use of force
• Typically charged as a felony
• Can escalate quickly depending on circumstances

Robbery involving a weapon or serious bodily injury.

What to know:
• High-level felony offense
• Includes use or display of a deadly weapon
• Carries significant prison time if convicted

Operating or taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

What to know:
• Does not require intent to permanently keep the vehicle
• Common in situations involving borrowed or taken vehicles
• Typically charged as a state jail felony or higher

Damaging, destroying, or tampering with someone else’s property.

What to know:
• Includes vandalism, graffiti, and property damage
• Charges depend on the cost of damage
• Can be enhanced in certain situations

Using deception for financial gain or falsifying documents.

What to know:
• Includes writing bad checks, fake signatures, or altered documents
• Often involves paper trails and financial records
• Can quickly escalate to felony charges

Using someone else’s card without consent.

What to know:
• Can be charged even without large transactions
• Includes possession of stolen card information
• Typically charged as a felony

Knowingly having property that was stolen.

What to know:
• You do not have to be the one who took the item
• Knowledge or intent becomes a key issue
• Charges depend on the value of the property