While Shoplifting is the term we commonly use to describe stealing from a store, in Fort Collins and Larimer County, this crime would be charged under the broader category of Theft. Recently, nationwide retailer Walgreens announced that it would be closing five more locations in another state due to rampant retail theft. According to the report, the retailer tried to up security at those locations, but were still seeing major loses due to Theft, making it no longer viable to keep these store open. In Fort Collins, we see many retail theft cases stemming from alleged thefts from Walmart and Target.
Retail Theft Attorney in Larimer County: Definition of Theft in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-401 – is:
(a) Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value;
(b) Knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value in such manner as to deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(c) Uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value intending that such use, concealment, or abandonment will deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(d) Demands any consideration to which he or she is not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person; or
(e) Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time of return in any lease or hire agreement.
Usually, retail theft cases are charged under subsection (a).
Sentence for Retail Theft / Shoplifting in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, retail theft / shoplifting is charged based on the value of the items taken. So, if you stole a tube of toothpaste and some deodorant from Walgreens and were caught, you would likely be facing a petty offense charge. However, if you stole a laptop from Best Buy (valued at $2,500), you would be facing a class 6 felony. The more expensive the items taken are, the higher the charge.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Retail 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 your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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