Colorado law has several theft provisions, often described as embezzlement, petty theft, false pretenses, theft, and grand theft. 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 theft.
Theft vs. Larceny
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. The term larceny used to be used interchangeably with theft, however, courts had slightly different definitions for the two. The term larceny is no longer used in Colorado criminal statute and is now only referred to as theft. Theft includes taking something from someone without force or breaking and entering.
Grand Theft
Grand theft occurs when someone steals property valued at more than $2,000. All grand theft charges are considered a felony.
Petty Theft
Petty theft in Colorado occurs when someone steals property valued at more than $50 and less than $2000. Petty theft charges are considered a misdemeanor.
Theft vs. Burglary or Robbery
Unlike theft, which does not occur through the use of force, robbery is considered a violent crime that forces an owner to give up the property because of force or threat. Burglary, on the other hand, 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 Theft A Felony or Misdemeanor?
Theft is a misdemeanor in Colorado as long as the property taken exceeds $50 but does not exceed a value of $2,000. Once the value rises above $2,000, however, theft will be charged as a felony offense.
Theft Charges & Degrees of Charges
Misdemeanor theft 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, theft 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 Theft
Being convicted of grand theft has very serious consequences. 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 theft 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 Theft
Petty theft 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 theft lawyer in Colorado to get the best outcome. Avoid cumulative effects of conviction with the help of Thomas A. Ramunda.
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