Third Degree Burglary is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of breaking into a vending machine or other locked apparatus. Two men are currently wanted for this very crime after they were caught on camera trying to break into a coin machine. According to the report, one man attempted to cut the lock on a vending machine and coin machine using a bolt cutter. When he couldn’t get in, the other man tried. However, neither were able to access the money inside. If caught, it’s likely they will both be facing charges of Attempted Third Degree Burglary.
Larimer County Third Degree Burglary Attorney: Definition of Vending Machine 3rd Degree Burglary in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Third Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-204 – is:
The statute specifically says that the person must ENTER or BREAK INTO the vending machine. While these men tried, because they were unsuccessful, their actions wouldn’t meet the statutory language. However, by using a bolt cutter and trying to get in, it could be argued they took a substantial step toward committing a crime, which would meet the standards for Attempted Third Degree Burglary.
Sentence for Third Degree Burglary in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Third Degree Burglary is a class 5 felony. This level felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. However, if the objective of the Burglary is the Theft of a Controlled Substance, then it is a class 4 felony, which carries a harsher punishment.