Consulting with an attorney regarding any significant legal matter such as a property crime is always a wise thing to do. Property Crimes are those crimes where: - The perpetrator seeks to do damage to - derive an unlawful benefit or interest from another person’s property - without using force or threat of force Property Crimes include: Burglary Theft Arson Larceny Shoplifting Vandalism Robbery is not included as a property crime since it involves the use of force or threat of force. It is therefore put under the violent crime category. Crime of “Theft of Property” Occurs When - Knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of their property - Knowingly obtains by deception control over the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of their property - Knowingly obtains or exerts control over the property in the custody of a law enforcement agency that was reported to that person by the agency as having been stolen Requirements for a Crime to Have Occurred - Proof of Intent to deprive - Element of dishonesty revealed by the words or actions of the perpetrator Crime of “Theft of Services” Occurs When - Intentionally obtaining services known to be only available for compensation by one of the following means: Deception Threat False Token Other means of avoiding payment - Having control over the disposition of services of others to which the person would not be entitled and to knowingly divert those services to their own benefit or the benefit of others who are also not entitled to receive such services The value of the stolen items determine: - whether the crime is classified as a felony or misdemeanor - the penalties or fines that are assessed by the court Let qualified criminal lawyers contact you to make sure your rights are protected on .