Shoplifting Theft is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person takes something from a store without paying for it. While it is charged as Theft under Colorado law, this type of Theft is usually referred to as Shoplifting. A couple was recently arrested for this crime after they were caught on camera opening boxes and concealing the items. Sometimes people wonder how they can be charged with Shoplifting Theft if they never actually left the store with the items. Let’s see what the law has to say.
Larimer County Shoplifting Theft Lawyer: Definition of Theft in Boulder
The Larimer and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-401 – is:
(a) Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value;
(b) Knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value in such manner as to deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(c) Uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value intending that such use, concealment, or abandonment will deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(d) Demands any consideration to which he or she is not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person; or
(e) Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time of return in any lease or hire agreement.
So, under subsection (b) and (c) it addresses concealment and the intention to deprive someone of their thing of value. Unfortunately, putting something in your coat pocket or purse would be considered Shoplifting Theft, even if you haven’t actually left the store. The assumption is that your intention was to take the item, so you would be charged as if you had stolen the items.
Sentence for Shoplifting Theft in Fort Collins and Loveland
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Shoplifting Theft is a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony depending on the value of the items taken.
If you or someone you love has 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 for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Heidi Sandstrom. on Unsplash