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

What crime would the man who snatched Sarah's purse from her car be charged with?

1. Theft

2. Vehicle Invasion

3. Robbery

4. Burglary

The correct answer is: Vehicle Invasion

In this scenario, the crime the man would likely be charged with is theft. Theft pertains to the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Snatching a purse from a car clearly fits this definition, as the act involves taking someone else's belongings without their consent. The choice of vehicle invasion typically refers to unauthorized entry into a vehicle with the intent to commit a crime therein, often relating to crimes like burglary. While the scenario takes place in a car, the actual crime committed is more aligned with theft because the focus is on the act of taking the purse rather than breaking into the vehicle. Robbery, on the other hand, involves taking property from a person through force or the threat of force. Since the description does not indicate any use of force against Sarah, this charge would not be appropriate. Burglary usually involves entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, which is not applicable here as the crime happened outside during the act of taking the purse from the car. Thus, the most fitting charge for the act of snatching Sarah's purse from her car would indeed be theft, as it accurately captures the unlawful nature of the action.