Breaking into a home to steal is charged as Burglary in Fort Collins and Larimer County while breaking into a car to steal is charged as Trespassing. A man will likely be facing both these charges after he was caught on doorbell camera breaking into homes and cars while wearing a dinosaur onesie and carrying a bag. According to the report, a dog walker called to report that the doors were open at a neighbor’s home and the neighbor was out of town. While investigating the home break in, a report came in about the car being broken into. Somehow, the dinosaur man was connected to that too.
Second Degree Burglary Lawyer in Larimer County
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Second Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-203 – is:
Obviously, breaking into someone’s home or even going into someone’s home without their consent is considered unlawful. Usually with Burglary cases, Theft is the crime someone intends to commit while in the structure, but it can be ANY crime. The way 2nd Degree Burglary is charged is as follows:
(a) It is a burglary of a dwelling;
(b) The objective of the burglary is the theft of a controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-102 (5), lawfully kept within any building or occupied structure; or
(c) The objective of the burglary is the theft of one or more firearms or ammunition.
For the man above, since he was accused of going into a home, he would be facing the class 3 felony charge.
Loveland and Estes Park First Degree Criminal Trespass in a Dinosaur Onesie
While the elements are very similar (breaking in and stealing things), when the thing you are breaking into is a vehicle, then it is charged as First Degree Trespassing in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park. The Colorado law definition of 1st Degree Criminal Trespass – C.R.S. 18-4-502 – is:
So, if the man in the dinosaur onesie had just gone into the home, but had no intention of committing any other crimes, then he would just be charged with the Trespassing. However, because he stole items, it became Burglary. But, his actions in the car – breaking in and stealing things – does meet the standard of this statute. First degree criminal trespass is a class 5 felony.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Burglary or Trespassing (or both!), 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 free initial consolation. Together, we can protect your future.
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