Larceny offenses include unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Larceny offenses include unauthorized use of a vehicle.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for businesses
• D. Only with consent

Answer: (A)

Larceny covers taking property of another without permission and depriving the owner of its use. A motor vehicle is movable property, so taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent fits the pattern of asportation with the intent to deprive use for some period. Even if the taker plans to return the vehicle or only borrow it temporarily (often called joyriding), the act is still treated as larceny in many jurisdictions because the use is unauthorized and the owner is deprived of the vehicle’s use. That’s why unauthorized use of a vehicle is included under larceny offenses.

Larceny covers taking property of another without permission and depriving the owner of its use. A motor vehicle is movable property, so taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent fits the pattern of asportation with the intent to deprive use for some period. Even if the taker plans to return the vehicle or only borrow it temporarily (often called joyriding), the act is still treated as larceny in many jurisdictions because the use is unauthorized and the owner is deprived of the vehicle’s use. That’s why unauthorized use of a vehicle is included under larceny offenses.