First Degree Trespass in Fort Collins
Teen Arrested for Breaking into Car for $2.00

A teen was arrested for First Degree Trespass after breaking into a car to steal $2.08. Read more about this story here.

In Fort Collins and Larimer County, First Degree Criminal Trespass is charged when a person enters a vehicle with the intent to commit another crime. A Colorado teenager was recently arrested and sent to the Weld County Jail after he was caught breaking into a car to steal the $2.08 the car held inside. He was released from the jail, and then pulled over and arrested again for driving more than 40 mph over the speed limit while still in Weld County. He was brought back to the jail only 45 minutes after he was first released. He was not immediately released this time, but instead held on no bond until he could appear in front of a judge.

Fort Collins First Degree Criminal Trespassing | Definition of First Degree Trespass in Larimer County

The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of First Degree Criminal Trespass – C.R.S. 18-4-502 – is:

A person commits the crime of first degree criminal trespass if such person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a dwelling of another or if such person enters any motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime therein. First degree criminal trespass is a class 5 felony.

So, when it comes to cars or any other motor vehicle, this crime is similar to Burglary. You have to illegally enter or stay in a vehicle with the intent to commit another crime. So, breaking into a car (clearly no permission given by the vehicle owner) to steal money or any other object is considered First Degree Trespass. This crime can also be charged if you stay in the car after your girlfriend has told you to get out of her car and then you take her phone from her to keep her from calling the police. The First Degree Trespass would be charged for staying in the car and then Obstruction of a Telephone Service would be the other crime that was committed during the Trespass. This situation would also mean the Domestic Violence sentence enhancer would be added, because the two involved were in an intimate relationship.

Sentence for First Degree Trespass in Loveland and Estes Park

In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, First Degree Trespass is a class 5 felony. This level felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines.


If you or someone you love has been charged with Trespassing, 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 your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

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