Course: Criminal Law
In the criminal law context, conversion refers to the act of wrongfully taking and using someone else’s property as if it were your own.
Conversion is a form of theft and is often charged as a separate offense in addition to the underlying theft.
To be found guilty of conversion, it is usually necessary to prove that the defendant wrongfully took possession of the property, that they intended to keep the property or to use it for their own benefit, and that they exercised control over the property in a way that was inconsistent with the rights of the true owner.
The penalties for conversion can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the value of the property involved. In some cases, conversion may be charged as a misdemeanor, while in other cases it may be charged as a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.