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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 North Carolina, theft, also referred to as larceny, is defined under North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) § 14-72. A person commits theft by unlawfully taking or possessing personal property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its use. The act is considered unlawful if it occurs without the owner's consent, or if consent is obtained by fraud, deception, or coercion. The severity of the charge and the associated penalties in North Carolina depend on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances of the theft. For example, theft of property worth more than $1,000 is typically classified as a felony, while theft of property worth less than this amount is generally a misdemeanor. Certain types of property, such as firearms or motor vehicles, may also result in felony charges regardless of their value. Additionally, North Carolina law recognizes other specific forms of theft, such as shoplifting, which are governed by separate statutes.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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North-Carolina State Code

Criminal charges

theft

North-Carolina State Code

Articles