Tony, a freelance computer technician, was fired by a client…
Tony, a freelance computer technician, was fired by a client, Ms. Lee, after a payment dispute. Tony believed Ms. Lee still owed him $500 for past services. A week later, Tony went to her office while she was away, told her assistant he was picking up his “equipment,” and took a company-owned laptop he had previously worked on. He later sold the laptop. Tony is charged with theft. At trial, he argues he genuinely believed the laptop belonged to him or that he had a right to it in payment of the debt. Which of the following best describes the likely result?