Identity Theft charges in Colorado are aggressively investigated and prosecuted. In Larimer County, allegations of Identity Theft often involve complex financial records, digital evidence, and coordination between local police and state or federal agencies. If you have been contacted by law enforcement in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Wellington, Berthoud, Timnath, or Red Feather Lakes, it is critical to understand the seriousness of these charges. An Identity Theft conviction can result in felony penalties, prison exposure, restitution orders, and long-term damage to your professional and personal reputation.
Larimer County Identity Theft Lawyer: What Is Identity Theft Under Colorado Law?
Identity Theft is charged under Colorado Revised Statutes 18-5-902. Under this statute, a person commits ID Theft when they knowingly use the personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or financial device of another person without permission, with the intent to obtain cash, credit, property, services, or anything of value.
Personal identifying information can include a Social Security number, date of birth, bank account number, password, driver’s license number, or other sensitive data. The statute is written broadly, and prosecutors often file Identity Theft charges in cases involving online transactions, credit card use, employment records, tax filings, or business dealings.
Is Identity Theft a Felony in Colorado?
In most cases, Identity Theft is charged as a felony offense. The classification level depends on the value involved and the number of alleged victims. Even at lower felony levels, penalties can include significant prison exposure, mandatory restitution to alleged victims, probation supervision, and substantial fines.
Because ID Theft cases frequently involve financial institutions, prosecutors may pursue aggressive sentencing recommendations. In some situations, multiple transactions can lead to multiple counts being filed.
How Id Theft Investigations Begin in Loveland and Estes Park
Identity Theft cases often begin when a financial institution detects suspicious activity and reports it to law enforcement. In other cases, an individual victim reports unauthorized charges, fraudulent loans, or tax filings made in their name. Police may review surveillance footage, IP address records, device data, and transaction logs to build a case. Many people are surprised to learn they are under investigation months after the alleged conduct occurred. Financial crimes investigations can take significant time before charges are filed.
Why You Should Speak with a Larimer County Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
If you are contacted by police regarding Identity Theft in Larimer County, it is important to exercise your right to remain silent and consult with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. Statements made during financial crime investigations are often used later to establish knowledge or intent. An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect your constitutional rights, and develop a strategy aimed at minimizing both criminal penalties and long-term damage.
Charged With Identity Theft in Fort Collins and Larimer County?
If you are facing ID Theft allegations in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Wellington, Berthoud, Timnath, Red Feather Lakes, or anywhere in Larimer County, you should act quickly to protect your record and your future. Felony financial crime cases are complex, document-heavy, and aggressively prosecuted. Careful preparation, strategic negotiation, and thorough investigation can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.