What characterizes theft of services?

Theft of services is characterized by obtaining services through deception without making payment. This definition captures the essence of the crime, as it involves an individual deliberately misleading another party with the intent to receive a benefit, such as services, while failing to compensate for them. This can occur in various contexts, such as dining and dashing at a restaurant or using utilities without paying.

The other options do not align with the definition of theft of services. Taking a service and planning to pay later does not constitute theft if the intention to pay exists. Receiving property without consent pertains more to theft of tangible goods rather than services. Lastly, taking items from a store is classified as shoplifting, which involves theft of property, not services. Therefore, obtaining services through deception without payment clearly describes the act of theft of services.