A crime referred to as larceny can be charged for a number of different actions and situations. It can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the state and value of the property involved in the case. It can also be a part of a larger offense such as grand theft, robbery or embezzlement.
The basic definition of larceny is that it is unlawful to take someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of the item for an unknown amount of time. This is a broad definition and can be very difficult to define in some situations. However, there are specific elements to the crime that help make it distinct from other crimes such as shoplifting, burglary or robbery.
In order to be convicted of a larceny charge, the suspect must have the specific intention to keep the property unjustly. This means that if the person taking the property truly believes that they own it or have a legal right to possess it, the law will not find them guilty of a larceny charge. However, if the same situation occurs again and they are found to be taking their friend’s BMW without permission for a joyride and then returning it a few minutes later, it could become a larceny offense.
Rhode Island General Law 11-41-2 outlines an offense called “receiving stolen goods.” This type of crime is similar to larceny except that it requires the suspect to know that the property is stolen. This knowledge can be based on the fact that the person was not the original owner of the property or a heir to the property and that they are aware of the history of the property. It can also be based on the person’s belief and suspicion that the property was stolen.