Pennsylvania Crimes Code


Section 3901. Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in
subsequent provisions of this chapter which are applicable
to specific provisions of this chapter, the following words
and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given
to them in this section:

"Deprive."

(1) To withhold property of another permanently or for
so extended a period as to appropriate a major portion of
its economic value, or with intent to restore only upon
payment of reward or other compensation; or

(2) to dispose of the property so as to make it unlikely
that the owner will recover it.

"Financial institution." A bank, insurance company,
credit union, building and loan association, investment
trust or other organization held out to the public as a
place of deposit of funds or medium of savings or
collective investment.

"Government." The United States, any state, county,
municipality, or other political unit, or any department,
agency or subdivision of any of the foregoing, or any
corporation or other association carrying out the functions
of government.

"Movable property." Property the location of which can
be changed, including things growing on, affixed to, or
found in land, and documents although the rights
represented thereby have no physical location. "Immovable
property" is all other property.

"Obtain."

(1) To bring about a transfer or purported transfer of
legal interest in property, whether to the obtainer or
another; or

(2) in relation to labor or service, to secure
performance thereof.

"Property." Anything of value, including real estate,
tangible and intangible personal property, contract rights,
choses-in-action and other interests in or claims to
wealth, admission or transportation tickets, captured or
domestic animals, food and drink, electric or other power.

"Property of another." Includes property in which any
person other than the actor has an interest which the actor
is not privileged to infringe, regardless of the fact that
the actor also has an interest in the property and
regardless of the fact that the other person might be
precluded from civil recovery because the property was used
in an unlawful transaction or was subject to forfeiture as
contraband. Property in possession of the actor shall not
be deemed property of another who has only a security
interest therein, even if legal title is in the creditor
pursuant to a conditional sales contract or other security
agreement.

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