Identity Theft is one of the most aggressively prosecuted financial crimes in Larimer County, and the consequences begin long before a case ever reaches trial. Whether the accusation arises in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Estes Park, Wellington, Berthoud, Timnath, or any of the county’s unincorporated areas, an Identity Theft investigation can quickly lead to arrest warrants, felony charges, and serious long-term repercussions.
As Larimer County criminal defense attorneys, we regularly see cases that begin with misunderstandings like shared accounts, financial disputes between partners, errors in online transactions, or allegations made during heated breakups, but which quickly escalate into full-blown felony investigations. Understanding how Identity Theft is prosecuted locally can help you make informed decisions and protect your future.
What Counts as Identity Theft in Fort Collins, Colorado?
Colorado’s Identity Theft statute – C.R.S. § 18-5-902 – is broad, and law enforcement agencies in Larimer County take full advantage of its scope.
Under the law, you may be charged with Identity Theft if you knowingly:
- Use someone else’s personal information (name, SSN, DOB, bank or credit card info)
- Use another person’s financial devices or online accounts
- Possess or transfer someone’s identifying information without permission
- Use that information to obtain anything of value, access data, or make a payment
You do not have to steal a large amount of money or any money at all. Even small purchases or access to an account can result in a felony charge.
How Identity Theft Cases Start in Loveland and Estes Park
Identity Theft allegations often surface through:
- Complaints to Fort Collins Police Services
- Investigations by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
- Reports from financial institutions or credit card companies
- Employer accusations
- Family disputes over shared or misused accounts
- Online activity flagged by fraud departments
Once law enforcement becomes involved, cases are typically forwarded to the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office for review and potential felony filing.
Where Identity Theft Cases Are Handled in Larimer County
Felony level Identity Theft charges in Larimer County are heard at the:
Larimer County Justice Center
201 LaPorte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO
Because Identity Theft is a felony (Class 4), cases proceed through the district court division. Municipal courts (such as those in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park) do not handle Identity Theft charges because the offense is exclusively a state level felony.
Penalties for Identity Theft in Larimer County
Identity Theft is a Class 4 felony, carrying:
- 2–6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (up to 12 with aggravating factors)
- Mandatory parole
- Fines up to $500,000
- Restitution for any alleged losses
- Permanent felony record for fraud
Additional consequences may include:
- Loss of employment (especially in financial or government fields)
- Professional licensing issues
- Difficulty obtaining housing or loans
- Immigration consequences
- Damage to reputation and personal relationships
Many defendants are shocked to learn that even minor disputes or alleged misuse of a partner’s credit card can result in felony charges.
Facing Identity Theft Charges in Larimer County?
An accusation does not equal a conviction. Identity Theft charges can be defensible, especially when personal relationships, online activity, or financial misunderstandings are involved.