Which statement best defines embezzlement?

Which statement best defines embezzlement?

• A. The conversion of the personal property of another by a person who currently has lawful possession of the property, with the intent to defraud.
• B. The trespassory taking of the personal property from another.
• C. Obtaining the title to the personal property of another by an intentional false statement.
• D. The malicious burning of property.

Answer: (B)

Embezzlement focuses on fraudulent conversion of property by someone who already has lawful possession of it. The key element is that the property is entrusted to the person, who then uses it for their own benefit with the intent to defraud. The statement that describes conversion by a holder of lawful possession and with intent to defraud captures this idea exactly. The other crimes involve different scenarios: taking property without permission (larceny), obtaining title by misrepresentation (fraud/false pretenses), or burning property (arson).

Embezzlement focuses on fraudulent conversion of property by someone who already has lawful possession of it. The key element is that the property is entrusted to the person, who then uses it for their own benefit with the intent to defraud. The statement that describes conversion by a holder of lawful possession and with intent to defraud captures this idea exactly. The other crimes involve different scenarios: taking property without permission (larceny), obtaining title by misrepresentation (fraud/false pretenses), or burning property (arson).