Crimes Against Property

Larceny

A trespassory taking and carrying away of another’s personal property with the specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property (i.e., intent to steal)

Larceny by trick

Larceny accomplished by fraud or deceit that results in the conversion of another’s property

Robbery

Larceny from the victim’s person or presence by force or intimidation

Forgery

The making of a false writing of apparent legal significance with the intent to defraud

Embezzlement

Fraudulent conversion of another’s property by someone in lawful possession of that property

False Pretenses

Obtaining title to another’s property through that person’s reliance on a representation of a material past or present fact that was known to be false and made with the intent to defraud

Extortion

• Common law: The unlawful taking of money by a government officer

• Modern approach: The taking of money or property from another by threat

Burglary

• Common law: The breaking and entering of another’s dwelling at nighttime with the specific intent to commit a felony therein

• Modern approach: The entering of another’s dwelling or structure with the specific intent to commit a felony therein

Arson

• Common law: The malicious burning of another’s dwelling

• MPC: Intentionally causing a fire or explosion to destroy a building or occupied structure (including a vehicle or business) OR destroying or damaging property to collect insurance on the loss

Possession Offenses

Possession of a prohibited object or substance when the defendant exercises dominion and control over the object or substance—regardless of whether the defendant knows possession is illegal

Receipt of Stolen Property

Receiving control of stolen property with knowledge that the property is stolen and the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. This is a statutory crime.