If you have been charged with Theft in Fort Collins or elsewhere in Colorado, hiring a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you is essential. Recently, a contractor in Colorado was arrested on the allegation of stealing more than $31,000 of goods from Home Depot. The police reported that the man had charged his customers for the cost of the materials for contracting gigs, despite having stolen said materials. Given the value of the goods, the man is now most likely facing felony Theft charges. Below, our top criminal defense lawyers answer top FAQs on Theft charges in Colorado:
1. How Do the Larimer County Courts Define Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401?
At the Larimer County Courts, Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, is charged when a person “knowingly obtains, retains, or exercises control over anything of value of another without authorization or by threat or deception.” In addition, that person then:
- Uses, conceals, or abandons the object,
- Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the item, or
- Engages in another act listed under subsection (1) of C.R.S. 18-4-401 to deprive the rightful owner of the object.
2. When is Theft a Felony in Fort Collins?
Theft becomes a felony charge in Fort Collins when the defendant has been accused of taking an item valued at $2,000 or more. This can also take place if the defendant engages in Theft twice or more in a period of 6 months, and the total value of items taken in the multiple acts of Theft is $2,000 or more. Alternatively, Theft from the person of another by means other than threat, force, or deception is a class 5 felony, regardless of the value of the stolen object.
3. What are the Penalties for Theft in Loveland?
Specific penalties for a Theft conviction vary in Loveland, depending on whether the defendant was charged with a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony. Generally, a defendant convicted of Theft can face the following penalties:
- Incarceration at the Larimer County Jail or Colorado DOC.
- Mandatory parole after release from the DOC if convicted of felony Theft.
- A fine imposed by the Larimer County Courts.
- Restitution to recoup losses to the victim.
4. Can I Be Sentenced to the Larimer County Jail for Petty Theft / Shoplifting?
Yes. Shoplifting – sometimes referred to as “petty theft” – may result in being sentenced to the Larimer County Jail if you are convicted. The period of time for which you are sentenced depends on the value of the item(s) taken. For example, Theft is charged as a petty offense when the item(s) taken was valued at less than $300, and is punishable by a maximum of 10 days at the Larimer County Jail.
5. What Happens if I Have Been Charged with Theft Twice in Estes Park?
If you have been charged with Theft twice or more within 6 months in Estes Park, those Theft charges will be aggregated into one single charge, resulting in greater penalties. For example, if you stole a laptop valued at $1,000, you would normally be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. However, if you steal another $1,000 laptop 3 months later, you will instead be charged with class 6 felony Theft.
6. Do I Need a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer for Theft Charges?
Regardless of whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony Theft, you need a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. Conviction of any Theft charge will devastate your future. You will not only be affected by penalties imposed by the Larimer County Courts, but also by a criminal record that will impair your employability and personal reputation. Don’t wait to call us today so that we can help you protect your future.
Have you been charged with Theft? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – never talk to the Fort Collins Police without a lawyer present. Then call 970-658-0007 to discuss your charges today with one of the top criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. 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 Andrea Piacquadio