Theft Defense Attorney in Larimer County | Fort Collins, Colorado

Theft can be a felony or misdemeanor in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park. The police will charge theft when a person is accused of taking something which was not theirs.  Unfortunately, police don’t care whether the person who held the property was the lawful owner, or whether they owed money to the accused.  Allegations of theft are easy to make by an ex seeking revenge, or a disgruntled employer trying to avoid paying unemployment.

Felony Theft in Fort Collins

Felony theft is defined at C.R.S. 18-4-401 and results from the taking of something of value without authorization from its owner, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the thing of value.

• If the item or cash taken is valued at $20,000.00 or more, but less than $100,000, it is a class 4 felony.
• If the item is valued at $100,000.00 or more, but less than $1,000,000.00, it is a class 3 felony.

Probation or a prison sentence can be imposed for a felony conviction.

The Requirements of Misdemeanor Theft in Loveland

Misdemeanor theft is also met by taking something of value from another without permission, with the intent to keep it.

• When the item taken is valued at $750.00 to $1,999.99, it is a class 1 misdemeanor.
• If the value is less than $750.00, but more than $300.00 it is a misdemeanor, class 2.

County jail sentences of up to 18 months can be given for misdemeanor theft.  Probation is also possible.

Why You Need a Theft Defense Attorney in Larimer County

There are many other variations of theft which can increase the penalties listed above.  These usually come from more rare situations when items are hidden, abandoned or taken by force.  Additionally, the government can accumulate the value of several items taken over time in order to increase the theft classification.  For example, if four items valued at $300.00 each are taken over a three month period, the total loss is $1200.00.  In this case, the District Attorney can aggregate the total of all items and charge it as one count of felony theft over $1,000.00. You need an experienced theft defense attorney in Larimer County by your side to fight for you; your freedom is at stake.

A conviction for theft will impair your ability to obtain a future job or obtain any position of trust.  Don’t take chances when charged with this serious offense.  If you are contacted by police or a sheriff’s deputy, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced theft lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office, P.C.,  at 970-658-0007, or submit this form.   Together, we can protect your future.