Exam 11: Theft and Analogous Offenses

What is the unauthorized act that deprives an owner of his property permanently or for an indefinite period of time?

What is the core element of false pretenses?

A store clerk receives a payment from a customer for services rendered. The storeowner entrusts the store clerk to properly receive and log the payment as well as turn in all receipts at the end of the store clerk's shift. What legal term describes the storeowner in this relationship?

In general, taking refers to the removing the property from the possession of another.

The first three elements of larceny identify the mens rea of larceny and the fourth identifies the actus reus.

"White-collar crime" is a term used to describe various types of unlawful, nonviolent conduct committed by corporations and individuals including theft or fraud and other violations of trust committed in the course of the offender's occupation.

What is one of the two basic forms of account fraud?

A car salesman who falsely represents the condition of a car, knowing that it has major mechanical issues, and sells the car as being in mint condition. The salesman has committed the act of selling a vehicle under false promises.

The trespass element of larceny stems from the Latin term _________________.

Ronnie works for the federal copyright office and alters the name to his on a new copyright that he believes will make a lot of money. Ronnie has committed the crime of ____________.

What is the meaning of the Latin term "caveat emptor?"

Jeff steals his neighbor's car around 2:00 am and drives to another city about 40 miles away. He discovers a checkbook in the glove box of the car. He needs fuel so he writes a check from the checkbook and signs the neighbor's name. He gives the check to the station attendant who fails to ask for an ID. Jeff used to work for a manufacturing company in the same city. He remembers that the manager of the company was illegally dumping chemicals into the stream behind the company. Jeff invites the manager to lunch under the guise of a lead for business. During the lunch Jeff tells the manager that unless he pays Jeff $5,000 he will inform the authorities and provide pictures of the illegal dumping. What crimes has Jeff committed? What elements of those crimes apply to this scenario?

What is another name for identity theft?

George took an antique saddle from Sallie's home, but left Sallie cash that covered the value of the saddle. Since he did not intend to deprive Sallie of the value of the saddle George is not guilty of a crime.

Simply put, when does theft actually occur?

Rick steals Susie's checkbook and writes a check out for $4,000.00 made out to him. He then signs Susie's name on the check as the endorsee. Rick is guilty of the crime of writing a hot check.

Sally takes Ruth's car without her permission and stops to get a tattoo in a high-crime area of town. She leaves the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition because she can see the car from the window of the store. Thieves steal the car. Sally is guilty of _______________________.

Slim is a petty thief who thrives on shoplifting. He keeps all of the stolen goods in a small, locked shed behind his home and fences the stolen goods when he finds a good buyer. Sam is another thief who knows where Slim stores his stolen goods. Sam sees the doors to the shed wide open one day and steals all of the stolen items from Slim. What crime will be charged against Sam?

In George v. Commonwealth of Virginia, Francis Habo George withheld funds taken from employees' salaries for income taxes and placed the funds in his personal account from which he paid personal expenses. What crime did Francis commit?

Gary runs a fencing operation in the city of Dallas. He specializes in jewelry and watches. He recently received $5 million worth of diamonds stolen from an overseas shipment from Africa. Because of the dollar value of the items Gary fences he rubs elbows with numerous affluent members of Dallas. Therefore, he has the opportunity to gain information about illegal acts committed my many of these rich acquaintances. As a result Gary is able to secure a tidy income simply by threatening to reveal their dirty, dark secrets. Additionally, Gary has planted one of his associates inside the federal copyright office. When Gary receives information that a major copyright is passing through the office, he pays the associate to place Gary's name on the copyright. What crimes has Gary committed? What elements of those crimes apply to this scenario?