Which scenario would fit into third-degree theft?

Third-degree theft typically involves the unlawful acquisition of property valued at a certain amount, but it can also cover specific situations involving the theft of certain items under defined circumstances. In this case, taking a credit or debit card that does not belong to a person falls under this category.

This scenario aligns with third-degree theft laws, as these laws often encompass the unauthorized possession of financial instruments, irrespective of their value. The rationale is that taking someone else's credit or debit card poses a risk of financial harm, and laws often categorize such actions as serious even when the physical card may not have a high monetary value on its own.

The other scenarios provide situations that likely fall under different degrees of theft or criminal offenses. For instance, property valued at $2,600 may exceed the threshold for third-degree theft, likely advancing to a higher degree. Stealing a controlled substance typically involves more severe charges due to the nature of the item involved, and shoplifting valued at $700 could similarly exceed the limit considered for the lesser degree of theft. Thus, the scenario of taking a credit or debit card not directly from a person is most appropriately described as third-degree theft.