FOCL Practice Test

What offense did Al commit when he illegally took payroll checks from an office?

1. Theft

2. Burglary

3. Robbery

4. Criminal trespass

The correct answer is: Burglary

The correct answer, theft, accurately describes the offense Al committed when he illegally took payroll checks from an office. Theft involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. In this scenario, Al taking payroll checks clearly indicates his intention to take someone else's property without permission. Burglary, while often confused with theft, specifically involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft. In this case, the action of taking the payroll checks directly characterizes the act as theft rather than burglary. Robbery incorporates elements of force or intimidation, which are not present in this scenario since Al's action involved taking checks without confrontation. Criminal trespass refers to entering someone else's land or property without permission, but does not involve the theft of property. Thus, the nature of Al's actions aligns precisely with theft, making that the correct classification of his offense.