Shoplifting is one of the most frequently charged Theft offenses in Larimer County courts, and it can happen to people who never expected to face criminal charges like a busy parent who walked out with an unscanned item, a teenager who made an impulsive decision, or someone accused after a misunderstanding at self-checkout. As Loveland criminal defense lawyers, we regularly represent clients charged with Theft and Shoplifting throughout Larimer County, including Loveland, Fort Collins, and Berthoud.
Loveland Retail Theft Lawyer: How Colorado Classifies Theft and Shoplifting
Shoplifting is prosecuted under Colorado’s general Theft statute, C.R.S. § 18-4-401, and the severity of the charge is driven almost entirely by the dollar value of the merchandise involved:
- Under $300 — a petty offense, punishable by up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.
- $300 to $999 — a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail.
- $1,000 to $1,999 — a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
- $2,000 to $4,999 — a class 6 felony.
- $5,000 and above — increasingly serious felony charges, scaling up based on value.
Prosecutors can also aggregate multiple Thefts that occur within a certain time period, or against the same victim as part of a single scheme, which can push what looks like several minor incidents into a much more serious charge.
Civil Demand Letters and Shoplifting Charges in Fort Collins
Separate from the criminal case, retailers in Colorado are permitted to send a civil demand letter seeking actual damages plus an additional penalty, typically between $100 and $250. Paying this civil demand does not resolve or dismiss the underlying criminal charge as the two processes are entirely separate.
Facing a Theft Charge in Larimer County?
Theft and Shoplifting cases move through the Larimer County court system regularly, but the consequences of a conviction (a criminal record, fines, and potential jail time) can follow someone for years. If you’ve been cited or arrested for Shoplifting in Loveland or elsewhere in Larimer County, it’s worth talking to a local criminal defense attorney early to understand the charge and what to expect next.
If you’ve been charged with Shoplifting 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 a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by @casalfilmsestudio