Theft Crimes

wisconsin

Theft crimes involve the taking or conversion of another's property without permission. Most theft crimes also require that the person taking the property does so with an intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. While most theft crimes involve tangible property that can be seen and physically moved, a theft can occur on intangible property that can be neither seen or physically touched such as a person's identity.

differentiating theft crimes

Several of the theft crimes proscribed by Wisconsin laws are listed to the left. You can click on any of those links to read more about the various types of theft crimes and the penalties they carry if a person is convicted for having committed the theft.

Generally speaking, a larceny is a simple theft crime such as shoplifting, nevertheless, it is still a theft crime. Larceny by trick involves deceit, as does misrepresentation of the facts in order to cause the transfer of property from its rightful owner to another. If the person accused of stealing property already had it in their possession, such as an employee who is entrusted with his or her employer's property, the crime may then be an embezzlement. If the property owner is present and force is used, the charge may be for robbery. If the theft occurs after a breaking and entering, and the intent was commit another felony, then the resulting charge could be burglary.

The type of theft crime charged by the prosecuting attorney will determine the state's burden of proof in the resulting criminal trial. In most cases, the state will be required to prove the intent of the crime and an act that furthers that intent. In some cases, the state will not be required to prove that the crime was completed; an attempt will suffice. For example, a burglary charge need not prove that a felony was committed after an illegal breaking and entering occurred; Wisconsin laws state only that the defendant intended to commit a felony once within the premises.

Free initial consultation

Attorney Chris Van Wagner and Attorney Tracey Wood, the criminal defense lawyers at Van Wagner & Wood, offer a free initial consultation to anyone who is under investigation for a theft crime, has been charged with a crime of theft, or has already been convicted of a theft crime and wishes to appeal the conviction or sentence. For your free initial consultation, please call (1-888-663-8163) the attorneys at Van Wagner & Wood.