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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 West Virginia, theft is defined under the West Virginia Code, specifically in Chapter 61, Article 3, which covers crimes against property. A person commits the crime of theft, also referred to as larceny, by unlawfully taking or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. The act is considered unlawful if it is done without the owner's effective consent, which can be vitiated by means such as threat, deception, or extortion. The severity of the theft charge in West Virginia can range from petit larceny, which involves property of less value, to grand larceny for higher value items. The penalties for theft can include fines, restitution, and incarceration, and they vary depending on the value of the property stolen and any prior offenses.

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Criminal charges

theft

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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West-Virginia State Code

West-Virginia State Code

Criminal charges

theft

Articles