Case library · Sticky Fingers
Filled Up and Drove Off
Hufstetler v. State (1953)
Charge: Petit larcenyCourt: Alabama Court of AppealsState: AlabamaDocket: Sticky Fingers
The facts
A car with several people in it pulled into a small-town gas station. One of them asked the attendant for about six and a half gallons of gas, which he pumped. Someone then asked for a quart of oil. While the attendant went to fetch it, the driver drove off without paying the $1.94 owed. He was charged with larceny. His defence: the attendant put the gas in the tank willingly, so it was handed over, not taken. The law asks whether the owner meant to give up possession only, or ownership too.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Hufstetler v. State, 37 Ala. App. 71, 63 So. 2d 730 (1953)
Read more at courtlistener.com. The source reveals the outcome.