When Hansel and Gretel left the bread trail behind, it was an intentional way of making sure they could be found and make their way home. Well, in true Hansel and Gretel style, 3 burglars left behind a trail, leading the police right to them. According to the news report, a burger restaurant reported that their cash register and surveillance system were missing. During the investigation, police followed a path where they discovered parts from a cash register and surveillance system, rubber gloves, loose coins, and a trail of macaroni salad. The men had apparently stolen a bowl of macaroni salad and took turns eating it during their escape. They must not have been very careful about their sharing, because the macaroni droppings led the way to their arrest. The men were charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief.
Macaroni Trail: What is Burglary in Larimer County?
While there are three degrees of Burglary under Colorado law, the degree that applies to the men from the story is 2nd Degree Burglary. The law defines Second Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-203 – as:
(2) Second Degree Burglary is a class 4 felony.
Breaking it down, there are two elements that must be present to charge a person with 2nd Degree Burglary:
- Illegally breaking into or staying in a building or occupied structure; and
- The intent to commit another crime.
Because the men broke into the restaurant with the intent to commit a Theft, they would be charged with this class 4 felony. In Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County, a felony 4 is punishable with 2 to 6 years in the Department of Corrections (DOC) and up to $500,000 in fines.
[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Have you been charged with Burglary? Contact the experienced attorney from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today![/pullquote]
What is Criminal Mischief in Loveland and Estes Park?
How Colorado law defines Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501:
Since the men from the story allegedly damaged the case register and surveillance system, the law wants to hold them responsible for the damages. In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Criminal Mischief can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony based on the amount of damage caused:
|
Class of Crime |
Aggregate Damage of Property Harmed |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | Less than $300 |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | $300 to $749 |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | $750 to $999 |
| Class 6 Felony Criminal Mischief | $1,000 to $4,999 |
| Class 5 Felony Criminal Mischief | $5,000 to $19,999 |
| Class 4 Felony Criminal Mischief | $20,000 to $99,999 |
| Class 3 Felony Criminal Mischief | $100,000 to $999,999 |
| Class 2 Felony Criminal Mischief | $1,000,000 or more |
The cost of repairing or replacing the cash register and surveillance system will decide whether these men are charged with misdemeanor Criminal Mischief or felony Criminal Mischief. Many times in these types of situations, the cost of damage will be exaggerated and people are charged with a higher level felony or misdemeanor. This is why you should never face Criminal Mischief charges alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney, like those from the O’Malley Law Office, will fight for a fair appraisal of the damage and related charges. We don’t want the system to take advantage of you.