DelawareRelated thefts could be grouped to set criminal penalties
Prosecutors could count related thefts together when setting a charge, but must prove the thefts formed one continuing course of conduct.
What it does
The text describes combining the value of related thefts when deciding the charge and penalty. Prosecutors must prove the thefts were part of one course of conduct.
Argument forGrouping thefts that form one continuing scheme could let prosecutors bring one charge that reflects the total value taken from victims.
Argument againstGrouping related thefts could raise the charge to a felony based on their combined value, though prosecutors must prove the course of conduct beyond a reasonable doubt.
More detail
The text describes counting the value of related thefts together when deciding the theft charge and penalty. A course of conduct means more than one act over time that shows a continuing purpose based on timing, location, and intent, or a theft scheme that forms one continuous transaction. A course of conduct must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to raise the penalty based on the combined value.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 14Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- Jun 30Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YESPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 24Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- Jun 11Assigned to Judiciary Committee in SenateMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 11Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENTPassed House
- Jun 10was introduced and adopted in lieu of HB 276Introduced
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