What is the primary intent necessary for the crime of theft in Missouri?

The primary intent necessary for the crime of theft in Missouri is to permanently deprive the owner of the property. This means that for an act to be classified as theft, the individual must have the intention of not returning the property to its rightful owner, signifying a complete denial of the owner’s rights to their belongings. The definition encompasses various forms of theft, including taking property with the intent to keep it or disposing of it in a way that eliminates the owner's control over that property.

In Missouri law, the focus is on the aspect of permanent deprivation, which highlights the seriousness of the act. This intent is essential in differentiating theft from actions that might not constitute theft, such as borrowing, which implies temporary use with the intention of returning the item. Other options reflect actions that do not meet the criteria for theft since they either suggest temporary use or do not assume ownership rights over the property, which are critical elements distinguishing theft from other interactions with property.