Fort Collins Theft Attorney: What Is Employee Theft in Colorado?
Colorado does not have a separate “Employee Theft” statute. Workplace allegations are typically charged as Theft under C.R.S. 18-4-401, which covers knowingly obtaining or exercising control over something of value belonging to another person without authorization, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In the workplace, that can include allegations involving cash drawers, inventory, company credit cards, equipment, time theft, or falsified expense reports. Related allegations may also be charged as Embezzlement, Forgery, or Fraud by Check.
How Is Theft Classified Based on Value? A Larimer County Theft Lawyer Explains
In Colorado, the classification generally rises with the value of the property alleged to be taken:
- Petty offense: low-value allegations (under $300)
- Misdemeanor levels: moderate-value allegations, with higher classes for greater amounts ($300 – $1,999)
- Felony levels: allegations of higher value, which can range from class 6 up to class 2 felonies for very large amounts ($2,000 or more)
Prosecutors may aggregate multiple smaller incidents over time, so a pattern of alleged conduct can quickly become a felony.
What Are the Penalties for Employee Theft in Loveland and Larimer County?
Potential consequences for Theft include:
- Jail or prison time: depending on the classification
- Restitution: repayment of the alleged loss, often with added costs
- Fines and probation: with conditions that may include financial monitoring
- Loss of employment and licensing: including professional or fiduciary licenses
- Theft record: a conviction can make future employment, particularly in finance, retail, or healthcare, much harder
How Are These Cases Handled in Loveland?
Cases arising in Loveland are often investigated by the Loveland Police Department or the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office, with proceedings at the Larimer County Justice Center or the Loveland courthouse, depending on the stage of the case. Many cases begin with an internal investigation or a report from an employer, sometimes before any police contact. Evidence may include surveillance footage, accounting records, audit reports, and emails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Theft
Can my employer report me to police for suspected Theft?
Yes. Employers can report allegations at any time, and police may investigate.
Is Employee Theft a felony in Colorado?
It can be, depending on the value of the property alleged.
Can I be charged if I intended to repay the money?
Yes. Prosecutors may still pursue charges based on the alleged unauthorized taking.
Should I talk to my employer or police before hiring an attorney?
No. Statements can be used in both the workplace and criminal proceedings.
If you’ve been accused of Employee Theft, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Саша Алалыкин