Texas Penal Code Practice 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Exam!

The crime of theft under Texas law is primarily defined by the intent to unlawfully obtain or exert control over another person's property with the specific intent to deprive the owner of that property. This definition encapsulates not just the act of taking the property but emphasizes the unlawful nature of the attempt and the intent behind the act.

The essence of theft lies in the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property. This choice captures that critical aspect, making it clear that even if one does not physically take the property, the mere intent to control it in a way that impairs the owner's rights constitutes theft.

Other options may describe actions related to taking someone else's property but do not capture the legal intricacies required to establish theft. For instance, taking property without consent may not fully encompass the element of intent to deprive, while acts of using force typically characterize robbery rather than theft. Lastly, borrowing property without permission does not meet the threshold for theft if there is no intent to deprive the owner permanently.

Thus, the defined parameter of intent and the unlawful exertion of control is what clearly outlines the crime of theft according to Texas law.