George Bailey, the hero of It’s a Wonderful Life, would still be guilty of larceny and would likely get probation in New York State, and could be liable for some jail time … according to the New York Times.
An excerpt from this article re-thinking the famous film:
And what about that banking issue? When he returns to the “real” Bedford Falls, George is saved by his friends, who open their wallets to cover an $8,000 shortfall at his savings and loan brought about when the evil Mr. Potter snatched a deposit mislaid by George’s idiot uncle, Billy (Thomas Mitchell).
But isn’t George still liable for the missing funds, even if he has made restitution? I mean, if someone robs a bank, and then gives the money back, that person still robbed the bank, right?
Turtle Talk 