DC Code §22–3211 defines the offense of “theft” in this manner:

A person commits the offense of theft if that person wrongfully obtains or uses the property of another with intent:

1. To deprive the other of a right to the property or a benefit of the property; or
2. To appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of a third person.

The statute goes on to clarify what exactly “wrongfully obtains or uses” means:

1. Taking or exercising control over property;
2. Making an unauthorized use, disposition, or transfer of an interest in or possession of property; or
3. Obtaining property by trick, false pretense, false token, tampering, or deception.

All this complex language really just boils down to the basic idea of theft we are all familiar with: the intentional taking of something of value from someone else. Depending on manner of the taking, the offense might turn into a different related offense—such as robbery or fraud.

There are two degrees of theft in DC: theft in the first degree and theft in the second degree. They are distinguished by the value of the property used or obtained.

1^st Degree Theft involves wrongfully using or obtaining property worth $1,000 or more and is a felony. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

2^nd Degree Theft involves wrongfully using or obtaining property worth less than $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 180 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

For a third or subsequent conviction of theft in any degree, the penalties become much harsher. The maximum sentence is increased to 15 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year in prison. You may also have to pay a fine of up to $37,500. The statute also specifically notes no possibility of a suspension of sentence or parole before the 1-year minimum is served.

Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is a special type of theft. Since stealing motor vehicles is often associated with the commission of other crimes (whether to prepare for the crime or to get away after), the penalties involved in these circumstances are harsher than those for basic theft.

Per DC Code §22–3215, a person commits the offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle if, “without the consent of the owner, the person takes, uses, or operates a motor vehicle, or causes a motor vehicle to be taken, used, or operated, for his or her own profit, use, or purpose.”

A conviction in DC for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $12,500.

If the motor vehicle was taken during the course of or used to facilitate a crime of violence, the maximum penalty is changed to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000. In addition, if serious bodily injury results under these circumstances, the prison sentence will be a minimum of 5 years. The list of crimes of violence in DC can be found at DC Code §23-1331(4).

For a third or subsequent conviction of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the maximum penalty is 15 years in prison, with a 30-month minimum sentence. You may also face fines up to a maximum of $37,500, with a $5,000 minimum fine.

DC law also includes a special case of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which is when you fail to return a rented or leased vehicle within 18 days after written demand for its return. The penalty for a conviction for this offense is a maximum of 3 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $12,500.

Distinguishing Between Offenses:

Theft vs Larceny vs Robbery vs Burglary

There are many theft-related offenses and it can be hard to distinguish between them all. The terms larceny, robbery, and burglary are often associated with theft, but what exactly do they mean? How are they distinguished from the offense of theft?

Larceny

Larceny is a common law crime and involves the taking of personal property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive the owner the use of the property. Due to the focus on “personal property” and the “intent to permanently deprive,” the case law sometimes led to rather quirky outcomes. This inconsistency prompted the implementation of statutes defining the broader offense of theft.

In most jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, the implementation of theft statutes has made the term larceny outdated. Indeed, the DC theft statutes specifically note that its definitions encompass conduct previously known as larceny.

Robbery

Robbery is essentially the combination of assault and theft. Since it is a combination of two crimes into one larger offense, it is treated more harshly than either alone and is a felony in DC.

Burglary

Burglary involves entry onto a property with the intent to commit a crime. Often, the intended crime is theft, but it does not have to be for the offense to be a burglary. For example, entering a person’s home and attempting to murder them would involve burglary, but not theft.

Getting a DC Theft Lawyer

Since theft covers a broad range of actions and can be associated with many different offenses, it is important to contact an experienced attorney right away if you are facing theft charges. The expert, experienced DC Theft Lawyers at Ervin Kibria Law are ready to help you navigate your options and zealously work your case. We will always work to achieve the best outcome for your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.