CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY Chapter 10

Objectives Learn the two broad classifications of property crimes Be able to define and identify the elements of each type of property crime Examine Montana law provisions dealing with selected property crimes

Two Types of Property Crimes Destruction of property Stealing property

Destruction of Property Crimes Arson—willful and malicious burning of a person’s property Is it a crime to burn your own property? Vandalism (malicious mischief)—willful destruction of or damage to the property of another Should parents be criminally responsible for crimes committed by their minor children? Write a sentence or two summarizing your views.

Taking of Property Crimes Larceny (theft)—unlawful taking and carrying away of the property of another with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Grand/petty—depends on amount stolen If you find lost property and keep it, are you guilty of larceny? Shoplifting—taking items from a store without paying/intending to pay Concealment—”attempted” shoplifting (e.g., hiding something under your coat) Winona Ryder case

Taking of Property Crimes Embezzlement—unlawful taking of property by someone to whom it was entrusted (e.g., theft by a bank teller) Is it “worse” than larceny? Why? Robbery—unlawful taking of property from a person’s immediate possession by force or intimidation How does it differ from larceny? Armed robberies are usually punished more harshly

Taking of Property Crimes Extortion (blackmail)—use of threats to obtain the property of another (e.g., David Letterman case) Burglary—(breaking and entering)— unauthorized entry into any structure with intent to commit a crime (any time of day) Do you have to plan to steal something to commit burglary?

Taking of Property Crimes Forgery—falsely making or altering a document with intent to defraud (e.g., forging a check) “Catch Me If You Can” Receiving Stolen Property—buying or receiving property you know or should have known is stolen (may be implied from circumstances) Unauthorized use of motor vehicle (joyriding)— taking vehicle without owner’s consent How is this different from auto theft? Carjacking—use of force to steal a car (federal crime)

Taking of Property Crimes “Computer crimes”—a large variety of crimes involving use of computers Examples? Hacking, viruses, identity theft, scams, unauthorized use of credit cards, illegal copying of music (copyright infringement) Jammie Thomas case: html html