If you have been charged with Burglary, C.R.S. 18-3-202+, you will need representation by a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer at the Larimer County Courts. Recently, a Colorado man was charged with several counts of Burglary for breaking into 8 different homes. The man had been released from the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) on parole less than one year prior, having been convicted of Robbery. Depending on the circumstances behind the burglaries and his criminal history, the man could soon be returning to the Colorado DOC for several years.
1. What is Burglary, C.R.S. 18-3-202+, at the Larimer County Courts?
Burglary, C.R.S. 18-3-202+, is defined at the Larimer County Courts as the unlawful entry or remaining in a building, occupied structure, or secured object with the intent to commit another crime therein. Colorado divides Burglary into three different degrees based on where the defendant entered or remained, and whether they were armed with a deadly weapon at the time. Often, the objective behind the entry is to engage in an act of Theft, but this is not always the case. Intent to commit any other crime once inside will also result in Burglary charges.
2. What are the Different Degrees of Burglary in Fort Collins?
In Fort Collins, each degree of Burglary is charged for unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime once inside the object or building. Each degree is further distinguished by where the defendant entered or remained, and whether they were armed with a deadly weapon:
Third Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-204 – Entering or breaking into a vault, safe, cash register, or similar object.
Second Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-203 – Entering or breaking into a building or occupied structure.
First Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-202 – Entering or breaking into a building or occupied structure. In addition, the defendant is armed and threatens to use a deadly weapon, is armed with explosives, or menaces or assaults another person who is not a participant.
3. What are the Potential Penalties for a Burglary Conviction in Loveland and Estes Park?
Depending on the degree and circumstances behind the commission of the crime, Burglary can range between a class 2 misdemeanor and class 3 felony in Loveland and Estes Park. First Degree Burglary, in particular, is designated a crime of violence, which significantly increases the penalties imposed on the defendant if convicted. Generally, penalties for a Burglary conviction include the following:
- Incarceration at the Larimer County Jail for a misdemeanor conviction; several years in the Colorado DOC for a felony conviction
- Mandatory parole upon release from prison for a felony conviction
- Up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines
- Restitution payment
- Potential lifelong loss of ability to lawfully possess a firearm
Regardless of whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony Burglary, you need a top Fort Collins lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. Don’t wait, and call us today so that we can help you protect your future.
Have you been charged with Burglary? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – do not talk to the Fort Collins Police or other law enforcement officer about your charges. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Jason Negonga