The participants were all incarcerated in Tennessee prisons. Their interviews were all tape recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using standard qualitative data analysis focusing on the decisionmaking patterns involved. Results demonstrated that criminals do not engage in rational decisionmaking. They especially do not evaluate the possible legal consequences of their action. In addition, negative consequences are far less influential than positive consequences. Findings indicated that theories of deterrence and decisionmaking may not adequately explain the decisions made by repetitive property criminals. 151 references and appended instruments and consent form (Author abstract modified)