Accused of Theft in Wisconsin?
In order to be found guilty of theft, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you either: (1) took and carried away; (2) used; (3) transferred; (4) concealed; or (5) retained possession of another person’s movable property without that person’s permission. The State must also prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did so with the intention of permanently depriving the person of their property. Depending on the value of the property, theft can be a class A misdemeanor or some class felony. There are two main defenses to theft. The first defense is that you did not engage in one of the above-listed actions. The second defense is that you did not intend to permanently deprive the person of their property. A third defense is that the property was yours. A fourth defense is that you had the person’s permission to engage in the conduct.
