Theft Crime Attorney in Colorado Springs

Whether you are facing charges for minor shoplifting or a complex white-collar crime, the larger the amount of money involved, the more serious your case will be. If your offense has occurred in Colorado, a Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer can present you with the best options for your case.

Definition of Theft

While “theft” means you have taken something without the intention of returning it, you can also face theft charges if you refuse to return it until you are given something to which you are not legally entitled.

As with any other crime, the evidence surrounding your case will be the main determinant in what type of sentence the judge will ultimately decide upon. The more sneaky or conniving the theft, the more harshly it will be punished. If the prosecution uncovers a complicated, planned-out scheme, this usually spells trouble for the defendant at sentencing. Judges will rarely be lenient with a defendant who has stolen from his or her employer or worse yet, an at-risk adult or child.

Penalties for Theft

The penalty you would face if convicted of theft depends on the value of stolen goods. According to Colorado Revised Statutes §18-4-401 (2012) "Theft," there are four degrees of theft:

• If the value of stolen goods is less than $500, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by between three and twelve months in jail.
• If the value of stolen goods is more than $500 but less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by between six and eighteen months in jail.
• If the value of stolen goods is $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, it is a Class 4 felony, punishable by between two and six years in prison.
• If the value of stolen goods is $20,000 or more, it is a Class 3 felony, punishable by between four and twelve years in prison.

Other factors may influence the charges you face. For example, if you are accused of breaking into an occupied structure, you can be charged with burglary, or you can be charged with robbery if you are accused of using force, threats or intimidation to commit the theft.

Any theft from the body of another person is considered a Class 5 Felony, regardless of how small the value of the item stolen. Pickpockets face felony charges even if the item they stole is worth less than a dollar. However, in Colorado, it is considered Robbery when a theft takes place using any sort of threat or force against a victim.

Multiple accusations of stealing small amounts can also be combined, which can result in felony charges if the amounts add up to over $1,000. A defendant could also face charges of “Theft by Receiving” if they have received, transported, sold or stored something that is known to be stolen.

Defending You Against Theft Charges

Whether you have been charged with shoplifting or armed robbery, we encourage you to contact us at Clawson & Clawson, LLP for help in defending your rights and your future. We have more than 100 years of combined experience, and we know the most effective strategies for helping our clients find their way out of the criminal justice system. Don't think that you can resolve the situation by speaking with the investigators and telling your side of the story. The police already believe that you committed the crime, and will only use what you say as evidence against you.