In Larimer, Jackson, Boulder County, and across Colorado, our government files charges against people who attempt or conspire to commit a crime, as well as those who were an accessory or complicit in a crime (co-defendant crimes). Here are examples and definitions of each offense which can be charged in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park:
- Criminal Attempt to Commit a Crime – C.R.S. 18-2-101
- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime – C.R.S. 18-2-201
- Accessory to Crime – C.R.S. 18-8-105
- Complicity– C.R.S. 18-1-603
Attempt and Co-Defendant Crimes
Criminal Attempt to Commit a Crime
Criminal Attempt to Commit a Crime is charged whenever a person “engages in conduct constituting a substantial step toward the commission” of an offense. By definition, the crime the person attempted to commit doesn’t actually occur – instead, Criminal Attempt is charged when someone tries to commit, or partially completes committing a crime.
An Example of Criminal Attempt
For example, a person might be accused of Criminal Attempt at Theft for hiding someone’s silverware in their purse while at their home for dinner – but being caught before they can leave the owner’s house. When a person is convicted of Criminal Attempt, they are sentenced less harshly than they would if they had completed the crime. To learn more, read our Criminal Attempt page.
Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
Criminal Conspiracy is charged whenever plans are made to commit a crime, or a person agrees to help another person to commit a crime. The formal definition states: “A person commits conspiracy to commit a crime if, with the intent to promote or facilitate its commission, he agrees with another person or persons that they, or one or more of them, will engage in conduct which constitutes a crime or an attempt to commit a crime, or agrees to aid the other person or persons in the planning or commission of a crime or of an attempt to commit such crime.
An Example of Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
For example, a person would be charged with Conspiracy to Commit Burglary if someone conspires with another person to commit theft inside a nice home in Fort Collins. They divide up the tasks – one person goes inside and steals items, while the other person is the lookout and driver.
Accessory to Crime
Accessory to Crime is charged whenever a person renders assistance to someone who has committed a crime, intending to “hinder, delay, or prevent the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for the commission of a crime.”
An Example of Accessory to Crime
For example, a person would be charged with Accessory to Murder if hid another person who had committed Murder. Because the person concealed the alleged murder, and thus hindered their apprehension for the homicide, they would be charged with Accessory to Crime.
Complicity
A person will be held legally accountable for a crime if: “With the intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the offense, he or she aids, abets, advises, or encourages the other person in planning or committing” a criminal offense. No one in Larimer or Boulder County is charged with “Complicity” by itself. Instead, it is a principal of law which allows prosecutors to charge someone with a crime if they played a role in the commission of the crime.
An Example of Complicity
For example, a person could be charged with Harassment if they provided a phone number and opportunity for a man to call his ex-girlfriend repeatedly in the middle of the night. Because they aided another person to commit Harassment, they themselves will be charged with Harassment because of Colorado’s Complicity statute.
Why You Need to Work With an Experienced Fort Collins Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with criminal attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime, or if you have been an accessory or complicit with the commission of a crime, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. You could face prison or jail time even if you didn’t actually commit a crime in Larimer or Boulder County. A criminal record will have a negative effect on your future – you may have a hard time finding a job or housing. Don’t stand alone in front of a judge – work with one of our experienced criminal lawyers who will fight on your behalf.