What intention must a defendant have to be guilty of theft?

To establish guilt for theft, a defendant must have the intention to deprive the victim of their property, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. This means that the defendant's mindset at the time of the act is crucial. They must act with the objective of taking someone else's property without permission and intending to keep it or use it.

This element of intention is foundational in criminal law, as it distinguishes theft from other forms of borrowing or using property. If someone takes property with the genuine intention of returning it to its owner or with the permission of the owner, they do not meet the legal definition of theft, since they lack the intent to deprive the owner of their rights. Understanding this intention is important in assessing the nature of the act and determining the appropriate charges or consequences involved.

Other potential intentions, such as borrowing or sharing, do not align with the criminal aspect of theft since they imply a willingness to return or distribute the property rather than an intent to deprive the owner of their rightful possession.