Crimes Against Property

1. Crimes Against Property Chapter 10

2. Arson • It’s a crime to burn any structure or building, even if it’s yours

3. Vandalism • Also known as malicious mischief • Millions of dollars of damage each year • Breaking windows • Ripping down fences • Graffiti • Felony/misdemeanor depends on the extent of the damage

4. Larceny (Theft) • Grand Larceny: theft of anything above $400 felony • Petty Larceny: theft of anything below $400 misdemeanor • Keeping lost property when you could have returned it • Found wallet with I.D. • Shoplifting: taking items without paying for them

5. Embezzlement • Unlawful taking of property by someone to whom it was trusted • A bank teller stealing your money instead of depositing it into your account

6. Robbery • unlawful taking of property from a person’s immediate possession by force or intimidation • Involves two harms: • Theft of property • Actual/potential physical harm • Robbery vs. Larceny • Use of force

7. Extortion • Use of threats to obtain property of another • Also known as Blackmail “I’ll blow up your car unless you pay me $500”

8. Burglary • Breaking and entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime • Some states have harsher penalties for burglaries committed at night

9. Forgery • Crime where a person falsely makes/alters a writing with intent to defraud • Signing the name of another person without permission

10. Receiving Stolen Property • Receiving or buying property that your know is stolen • Knowledge the property is stolen may be implied • Buying shoes out of the trunk of someone’s car • Felony/misdemeanor depends on the value of the stolen property

11. Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (UUV) • Taking a vehicle temporarily • joyriding

12. Carjacking • Occurs if a person uses force or intimidation to steal a car from a driver • Federal crime and can be punishable with up to life in prison