Fort Collins Juvenile Burglary Lawyer
When a Child Breaks into a Store

Burglary is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person illegally enters into a building in order to commit another crime. Juveniles can be charged with this crime, just like adults. Recently, a juvenile in Colorado was caught on security footage breaking into a candy and treat store. The teen caused a lot of damage to the store and took some of the goods as well. It was reported that he also vandalized a Wendy’s fast food restaurant close by. The teen used a parking meter to take out the front windows. He was charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Theft and Obstructing a Peace Officer.

Larimer County Juvenile Burglary Attorney: Second Degree Burglary Definition in Colorado

The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Second Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-203 – is:

In order to charge Burglary, there has to be two elements in the person’s actions:

1. They have to enter or remain in a building unlawfully; and
2. There has to be an intent to commit another crime inside.

Based on the information provided in the article, the teen meets both these criteria. There is no argument that breaking out the front windows to get into the store constitutes illegally entering it. Then, once inside, he destroyed property (Criminal Mischief) and stole items (Theft).

Sentence for Juvenile Burglary in Loveland and Estes Park

In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Second Degree Burglary is a class 4 felony, unless it is a burglary of a dwelling or the object of the burglary is to steal a controlled substance or firearm. If those aggravating factors are present, then it is a call 3 felony. Luckily, juvenile cases tend to be handled less harshly than adult cases. Since juveniles are not fully developed, there is an understanding that they should be treated slightly less culpable and the focus should be on rehabilitation rather than strictly on punishment. At least, that is the hope. Not all DAs and judges feel this way, so it is vital to have an experienced juvenile defense attorney to argue your child’s best interest.

If your child has been charged with Juvenile Burglary, be smart, exercise their right to remain silent, and contact the best juvenile criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your child’s future.