Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Is it considered "Theft" if a business offers a free refill on a drink and the purchaser never claims their refill and abandons their claim (by leaving and/or giving their cup to you). Then the party in question redeems the refill, was "Theft" committed by redeeming the refill?

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How is "Theft" defined, legally?


Asked on 4/03/10, 5:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

Yes. You know it's wrong and you know what the offer means - a refill to the original purchaser before the original owner leaves the business--or you wouldn't be asking. You are not "redeeming" you are stealing. Most businesses presume you are honest about refills unless they know otherwise, so this is a common theft because it is an easy crime to perpetrate if you are a dishonest cheapskate. Theft is defined in the criminal statutes. Look it up via Google. Illinois Statutes are public information posted online.

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Answered on 4/08/10, 9:30 pm


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