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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 Wisconsin, theft is defined under Wisconsin Statutes Section 943.20. A person commits theft when they intentionally take and carry away, use, transfer, conceal, or retain possession of movable property of another without the owner's consent and with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of possession of the property. Theft can also occur with immovable property, such as real estate, through fraud or deception. The severity of the charge and the penalties upon conviction vary based on the value of the property stolen and can range from a Class A misdemeanor for property valued at $2,500 or less, to a Class F felony for property valued over $10,000. Enhanced penalties may apply for certain types of theft, such as theft from a person or from a corpse, or if the offender has prior theft convictions.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Wisconsin State Code

Wisconsin State Code

Criminal charges

theft

Articles