If you’ve been charged with a theft-related crime in Colorado Springs, the first thing to do is remain calm. That said, theft is serious and can have a wide-ranging impact on your future. What’s worse, Colorado’s legal policies surrounding theft are very confusing, and navigating all of the various laws and procedures can be a nightmare. For these reasons, we feel that it is imperative that you have quality, experienced legal representation behind you before proceeding.
Defining Theft in Colorado
Theft is defined very broadly in the eyes of the law here and can include non-standard definitions of thievery such as theft of rental property, trade secrets, fuel, newspapers, medical records, and motor vehicles. Essentially, a criminal theft charge boils down to proving that the perpetrator intended to take something that does not belong to him or her and has no intention to give it back.
As you can see, there are numerous situations in which a theft charge might be brought against you or someone you know. If this is your reality, we’re here to help in any way that we can. We know that these charges can affect your life in many ways, so we want to offer you the sharpest defense available in your time of need.
Felony Theft vs Misdemeanor
Thefts are largely classified as either a felony charge or a misdemeanor in Colorado, like many other states. Which one you are charged with will depend upon the specific situation. Put simply, almost any theft of an item worth less than $1,000 without the use of force will be a misdemeanor of some sort.
If the item is worth more than that, though, you’re looking at a felony, which is obviously much more serious. In fact, if the property is valued at $20,000 or more, you could be facing a Class 3 felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in jail and $750,000.
If found guilty, you may be charged with any damages to persons and businesses involved in the incident. Because of this precarious situation, we highly recommend meeting with a qualified criminal defense attorney before even beginning to work through your case. Our team members here at Deere Law are all highly experienced in multiple forms of theft charges, and we can help you understand your options clearly.
Another Chance for Your Future
At Deere Law, we truly care about you and your future. Regardless of whether you are at fault or not in your theft charge, we want you to know that it is our commitment to help you in any and
every way that we can over the course of your criminal trial. Our team will analyze your situation, alert you to any options available to you, and protect all of your legal rights throughout the entire process.
If you’re ready to work through your charges with dignity, give Josh Deere and the rest of us at Deere Law a call today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.