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Criminal charges

theft

A person commits the criminal offense (crime) of theft—also known as stealing—by unlawfully taking or appropriating the property of another person or entity with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

Taking or appropriating property is generally unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent—for example, if the property was taken by threat, deception, or extortion.

In Massachusetts, the crime of theft, also referred to as larceny, is defined under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30. A person is guilty of theft if they unlawfully take or obtain the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. The act is considered unlawful if it is done without the owner's consent, or with consent obtained by fraud, deceit, or coercion. The severity of the offense and the penalties involved can vary based on the value of the property stolen and other circumstances surrounding the crime. Theft of property over a certain value is considered grand larceny, which is a felony, while theft of property under that value is considered petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Additional factors, such as theft from a person or from a locked vehicle, can also influence the charges and potential sentencing.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Massachusetts State Code

Massachusetts State Code

Criminal charges

theft

Articles