Property Crimes Flashcards
What are the three steps to analyzing theft crimes?
Step 1: Identify how the defendant obtained the property:
a. Trespass
b. Delivery
or
c. Trick
Step 2: Determine whether the defendant acquired:
a. Custody
b. Possession
or
c. Title to the property
Step 3: Evaluate whether the defendant formed the intent to permanently deprive (steal) the property at some time while still in unlawful possession of the property
What is the effect if a defendant never forms the intent to permanently deprive a person of property they take?
The defendant cannot be guilty of any form of theft offense
What intent is required for all theft offenses?
Intent to permanently deprive
What are the elements of larceny?
- Unlawful taking of property
- In someone else’s possession
And
- Intent to permanently deprive
What are the elements of embezzlement?
- The defendant lawfully had property entrusted to their posession
- The defendant unlawfully converts the property to a non-entrusted use
- The defendant converts the property with the intent to permanently deprive the true owner of the property
What are the elements of theft by false pretenses?
- Fraudulently obtaining title to property owned by someone else
And
- The defendant intends to permanently deprive
What are the elements of larceny by trick?
- Fraudulently obtaining possession of property owned by someone else
And
- The defendant intends to permanently deprive
What are the forms of control of property?
Title: Legal ownership, implies possession
Possession: Full dominion and control over the property, does not require title
Custody: physical control of property in someone else’s possession without full dominion over the property
What are the elements of Larceny?
- The defendant wrongfully takes another person’s property
- The defendant moves the property
- The defendant intends to permanently deprive the owner of the property
When is the intent to permanently deprive an owner manifested?
When the defendent intends to:
- Keep the property
- Destroy the property
Or
- Hold the property for ransom
What is the doctrine of continuing trespass?
A defendant who takes without the intent to deprive and later decides to keep the property is considering to have the latter intent at the time of the taking.
The doctrine establishes concurrence between the unlawful taking and the requisite intent to steal.
More Info: Doctrine of Continuing Trespass
Can you steal something that you honestly think is yours?
No, no matter how unreasonable the belief
What is a conversion and how is it established?
Conversion means transforming possession of someone else’s property to your own.
Conversion is established by any action toward the property that seriously interferes with the owner’s rights.
List 7 examples of conversion actions.
- Selling
- Consuming
- Pledging
- Donating
- Discarding
- Heavily damaging
- Claiming title to
What will negate the intent to steal?
- An honest belief of claim of right
Or
- The intent to restore the exact property