Crimes against property

The category of crimes against property includes crimes in which property is destroyed (such as arson and vandalism) and crimes in which property is stolen or otherwise taken against the will of the owner (such as robbery and embezzlement).

Arson is the willful and malicious burning of another person's property.

Vandalism is willful destruc­tion of, or damage to, the property of another.It includes such things as breaking windows, ripping down fences, flooding basements, and breaking off car aerials.

Larceny is the unlawful taking and carrying away of the property of another with intent to steal it. In most states, larceny is divided into two classes, grand and petty, depending on the value of the stolen item.The crime of larceny also includes keeping lost property when a reasonable method exists for finding the owner.

Shoplifting is a form of larceny. It is the crime of taking items from a store without paying or intending to pay for them.

Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of property by someone to whom it was entrusted. For example, the bank teller who takes money from the cash drawer or the stockbroker who takes money that should have been invested are both guilty of embezzlement.

Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from a person's imme­diate possession by force or intimidation. Though included here as a crime against property, robbery, unlike other theft offenses, involves two harms: theft of property and actual or potential physical harm to the victim.

Extortion popularly called blackmail, is the use of threats to ob­tain the property of another. Extortion statutes generally cover threats to do future physical harm, destroy property (for example, "I'll burn down your barn unless you pay me $500"), or injure some­one's character or reputation.

Burglary was originally defined as breaking and entering the dwelling of another during the night with intent to commit a felony. Modern laws have broadened the definition to include the unautho­rized entry into any structure with the intent to commit a crime, re­gardless of the time of day.

Forgery is a crime in which a person falsely makes or alters a writing or document with intent to defraud. This usually means signing, without permission, the name of another person to a check or some other document.

Receiving Stolen Property. If you receive or buy property that you know or have reason to believe is stolen, you have committed the crime of receiving stolen property.

Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Several crimes may occur when a person unlawfully takes a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. The crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle (UUV) is committed if the person only intends to take the vehicle temporarily.

Дата добавления: 2015-05-26