What constitutes theft under ARS 13-1802?

The definition of theft under ARS 13-1802 is centered around the act of taking someone else's property without their consent. This encompasses a variety of actions where an individual unlawfully takes possession of another person's belongings with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Understanding this definition is crucial for law enforcement officers and professionals working within the legal system, as it outlines the fundamental aspect of theft: the lack of consent from the property owner.

While burglary, shoplifting, and identity theft can all involve elements of theft, they are specific offenses that may fall under broader categories or different statutes. Burglary refers to the unlawful entry into a building or structure with intent to commit a crime, which may or may not involve theft. Shoplifting typically pertains to stealing goods from a store and can be considered a form of theft but is a specific act rather than the comprehensive definition provided by ARS 13-1802. Identity theft is a crime that involves stealing someone's personal information for fraudulent purposes and, while it can result in theft-related consequences, it does not directly correlate to the act of taking someone else's physical property without consent as defined in this statute.

Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of theft as defined by Arizona law