Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge could Bart face for breaking into a storage shed and attempting to steal tools?

1. Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools

2. Theft

3. Vandalism

4. Robbery

The correct answer is: Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools

Bart could face the charge of burglary and possession of burglary tools because burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime, which includes theft. By breaking into the storage shed, Bart unlawfully entered the property with the intention of stealing tools. This meets the criteria for burglary. Additionally, if Bart had tools specifically intended for breaking and entering, he could also be charged with possession of burglary tools. This charge applies when someone possesses tools that are known to be intended for criminal activity, such as breaking into structures. The other charges do not fully encompass Bart's actions. Theft pertains only to the act of taking someone's property without permission, while vandalism involves damage to property and does not apply here unless the structure was damaged in the process of breaking in. Robbery requires direct interaction with a person and the use of force or intimidation, which is not relevant to this scenario where Bart attempted to steal from an unoccupied storage shed. Thus, the combination of burglary and possession of burglary tools accurately reflects the nature of Bart's actions.