If you're looking for a Wisconsin online theft or shoplifting class, it's important to know your Wisconsin theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Wisconsin theft and shoplifting laws shown on this page are to aid you in understanding your state Wisconsin theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have made every attempt to show the most up-to-date version of Wisconsin theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a substitute for legal advice from a lawyer. We suggest that you find an appropriate attorney for more information about Wisconsin theft laws.

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4 Hour Theft Class	$99	Register Now
6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

Wisconsin Theft and Shoplifting Laws Explained

Understanding the laws surrounding theft and shoplifting can help you stay informed and avoid unintentional legal issues. Below is a simplified explanation of Wisconsin's Theft and Shoplifting Laws, specifically Section 943.20.

What Constitutes Theft?

Under Wisconsin law, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Here are the different ways theft can occur:

1. Taking Property Without Consent

If someone intentionally takes, carries away, uses, transfers, conceals, or keeps possession of another person's movable property without permission and with the intention to permanently keep it, they can be penalized.

2. Misusing Money or Financial Instruments in a Professional Role

Individuals who are trusted with money or financial documents through their job, business, or role as a trustee or bailee may abuse that trust. If they use, transfer, conceal, or keep possession of the money or documents without the owner's consent and intend to use it for themselves or someone else, they can face legal consequences. Refusing to return money or financial documents when demanded is considered evidence of intent to misuse them.

3. Taking Property with Superior Possession Rights

If someone has a legal interest in movable property and takes it from someone who has a superior right to possess it, intending to permanently deprive the rightful possessor of it, this is considered theft.

4. Deceiving to Obtain Property

Obtaining someone else's property by deceiving them with false statements or promises, especially when the deception is intended to defraud and actually does defraud the person, qualifies as theft. This includes making promises you don't intend to keep as part of a fraudulent scheme.

5. Failing to Return Leased or Rented Property

If someone intentionally does not return personal property (except motor vehicles) that they have under a written lease or rental agreement after it has expired, they can be penalized. However, if the property is returned within 10 days after the lease or rental agreement ends, this does not apply.

Key Definitions

To better understand these laws, here are some important terms:

• Adult at Risk: An individual defined under Wisconsin law as needing protection due to physical or mental limitations.
• Elder Adult at Risk: An elderly person who requires protection due to physical or mental limitations.
• Individual at Risk: Either an adult at risk or an elder adult at risk.
• Movable Property: Property that can be moved, including items like electricity, gas, documents representing intangible rights, and things found on or affixed to land.
• Property: All tangible property, whether real or personal, including electricity, gas, and documents representing intangible rights.
• Property of Another: Includes property where the perpetrator is a co-owner or part of a partnership, except when the perpetrator and victim are spouses.
• Resident: As defined under specific Wisconsin statutes.
• Value: Generally, the market value of the stolen property at the time of theft or the cost to replace it, whichever is lower. Special rules apply for intangible rights and scrap metal.

Penalties for Theft

The severity of the penalty depends on the value of the stolen property:

• Class A Misdemeanor: If the property's value is $2,500 or less.
• Class I Felony: If the property's value is more than $2,500 but not exceeding $5,000.
• Class H Felony: If the property's value is more than $5,000 but not exceeding $10,000.
• Class G Felony: If the property's value exceeds $10,000.

Enhanced Penalties

Certain circumstances can lead to more severe penalties, classifying the theft as a Class H Felony, regardless of the property's value:

1. Domestic Animals: Theft of pets or other domestic animals.
2. Destroyed or Unoccupied Buildings: Theft from buildings affected by disasters, riots, bombings, or nearby battles.
3. Post-Disaster Theft: Theft occurring after such events have made property removal necessary.
4. Firearms: Theft of guns or other firearms.
5. Vulnerable Individuals: Theft from patients or residents in care facilities or from individuals at risk.

Additionally, if property is taken directly from a person or a corpse, it is considered a Class G Felony.

Using Photographs as Evidence

In legal actions related to theft, photographs of the property involved can be used as evidence instead of having to produce the actual property in court. These photographs must be properly identified and authenticated.

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Understanding these laws can help you recognize what constitutes theft and the potential legal consequences. If you find yourself involved in a situation related to theft, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional for guidance.

You might also be interested in Wisconsin Theft and Shoplifting Classes.