Colorado law has several theft provisions, often described as embezzlement, shoplifting, false pretenses, larceny, and grand larceny. When a person commits a theft in Colorado that intends to deprive another person of something with value, there’s the threat of being charged with larceny.
Grand Larceny
Grand larceny is otherwise known as a grand theft in Colorado, even though the legal terms mean different things.
What is grand larceny?
Grand larceny occurs when someone steals property valued at more than $2,000. All grand larceny charges are considered a felony.
Petty Larceny
Petty larceny is also known as petty theft in Colorado, even though the legal terms mean different things.
What is petty larceny?
Petty larceny occurs when someone steals property valued at less than $2,000. All petty larceny charges are considered a misdemeanor.
Larceny vs. Theft
Theft relates to taking someone’s property while depriving the owner of its use. While it often involves physical belongings or money, it won’t typically be used when real estate or land is concerned. Theft can be defined as petty theft or grand theft, just as larceny is. Similar to theft, larceny occurs when someone steals property that deprives the owner of its use. While the terms are often used interchangeably, courts tend to have slightly different definitions for the two. Both of these include taking something from someone without force or breaking and entering.
Larceny vs. Burglary or Robbery
However, robbery is considered a violent crime that forces an owner to give up the property because of force or threat. Burglary involves breaking into a structure or automobile to steal an item. The burglar doesn’t need to physically break-in, but can simply walk into an open home or enter with a key when they weren’t permitted.
When Is Larceny A Felony or Misdemeanor?
Larceny is a misdemeanor as long as the taken property does not exceed a value of $2,000. However, once the value rises above $2,000, larceny will be charged as a felony offense.
Larceny Charges & Degrees of Charges
Misdemeanor larceny is broken down into the following charges.
- Class 1 petty offense: Includes stolen property valued at $50 or less. An offender could face six months in prison and/or a $500 fine.
- Class 3 misdemeanor: Includes stolen property valued at more than $50 but less than $300. An offender could face six months in prison and/or a $750 fine.
- Class 2 misdemeanor: Includes stolen property valued at more than $300 but less than $750. An offender could face 364 days in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Class 1 misdemeanor: Includes stolen property valued at more than $750 but less than $2,000. An offender could face 18 months in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
However, larceny can also be charged as a felony in Colorado. Here are the felony charges.
- Class 6 felony: Includes stolen property valued at more than $2,000 but less than $5,000. An offender could face 18 months in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
- Class 5 felony: Includes stolen property valued at more than $5,000 but less than $20,000. An offender could face three years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
- Class 4 felony: Includes stolen property valued at more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. An offender could face six years in prison and/or a $500,000 fine.
- Class 3 felony: Includes stolen property valued at more than $100,000 but less than $1,000,000. An offender could face 12 years in prison and/or a $750,000 fine.
- Class 2 felony: Includes stolen property valued at more than $1,000,000. Offender could face 24 years in prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine.
Reasons Why You May Want A Lawyer For Grand Larceny
Being convicted of grand larceny is serious. You are looking at far more than a jail sentence and fine. Once you get out of prison, your life will be forever changed. You might struggle to get a job and could be turned away at various higher learning institutions.
To avoid jail time and protect your way of life, you want the help of an experienced grand larceny lawyer in Colorado. Your charges might be reduced or even dismissed, allowing you to go on with your life after this mistake.
Reasons Why You May Want A Lawyer For Petty Larceny
Petty larceny might mean the items stolen were small in value, but the crime is not a small problem. It’s still a crime that can lead to serious consequences, including jail time. Don’t assume that your petty theft charge is a small matter because the prosecution won’t. You need a qualified petty larceny lawyer in Colorado to get the best outcome. Avoid cumulative effects of conviction with the help of Thomas A. Ramunda.
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