The theft of property by operating a boat or airplane motor-propelled vehicle belonging to another without consent would be classified as what?

• A. Theft- Class C Misdemeanor
• B. Theft- Class B Misdemeanor
• C. Theft- State Jail Felony
• D. Theft- Class A Misdemeanor

Answer: (C)

Taking and using someone else’s motor-propelled vehicle without their consent is theft of a motor vehicle. In Texas, theft offenses are graded by the value of the property, and motor vehicles (including boats and aircraft) fall into a mid-range value category where theft is a state jail felony. This means the act is treated as a more serious offense than a misdemeanor but not necessarily the highest felonies, depending on the exact value. The scenario describes the classic act of depriving the owner of a motor-propelled vehicle by taking and operating it without permission, which aligns with the state jail felony classification. If the vehicle’s value were lower, it could be a misdemeanor; if higher, the offense could rise to a higher-degree felony, but the described situation fits the state jail level.