When you’re charged with theft in Boulder County, prosecutors often push for jail time even on first offenses. A theft conviction doesn’t just threaten your freedom – it brands you as dishonest, making it nearly impossible to find work, rent an apartment, or rebuild your life.
Don’t let a theft charge define your future. Contact our Boulder theft lawyers at Dawson Law Office before prosecutors finish building their case against you.
Theft Under Colorado Law
Theft in Colorado is defined under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-4-401. A person commits theft when they knowingly obtain, retain, or exercise control over someone else’s property without authorization, through threat or deception, or by receiving or disposing of stolen goods.
Several elements can lead to a theft charge, including:
- Intent to Deprive: The accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property or its benefits.
- Unauthorized Use: Taking or using property without permission.
- Deception: Using fraudulent means or false promises to obtain property.
- Failure to Return Property: Retaining property beyond 72 hours after the agreed return time in a lease or hire agreement.
Colorado law also recognizes theft through actions like demanding payment for returning stolen goods or withholding material facts to obtain public benefits unlawfully. These elements highlight the broad scope of theft offenses and the importance of a tailored defense strategy.
Penalties for Theft in Colorado
The penalties for theft in Boulder and throughout Colorado vary significantly based on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense.
Colorado categorizes theft into petty offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies:
- Petty Theft: Property valued at less than $300. This is a petty offense punishable by fines and up to 10 days in jail.
- Misdemeanor Theft:
- $300–$999: Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 120 days in jail.
- $1,000–$1,999: Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 18 months in jail.
- Felony Theft:
- $2,000–$4,999: Class 6 felony, up to 1.5 years in prison.
- $5,000–$19,999: Class 5 felony, up to 3 years in prison.
- $20,000–$99,999: Class 4 felony, up to 6 years in prison.
- $100,000–$999,999: Class 3 felony, up to 12 years in prison.
- $1,000,000 or more: Class 2 felony, up to 24 years in prison.
If theft involves multiple incidents over six months or targets the same victim, Colorado law allows for aggregation of the thefts. This means the charges and penalties will be based on the combined value of the stolen property, potentially elevating the offense to a more serious category.
Beyond criminal penalties, a theft conviction can lead to civil lawsuits, restitution payments, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation.
Common Types of Theft Cases in Boulder
At Dawson Law Office, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of theft-related cases, including:
- Shoplifting: Accusations of taking goods from a store without paying. These cases often involve surveillance footage or testimony from store employees.
- Employee Theft: Allegations of misappropriating funds or property from an employer. This can include cash theft, falsifying expense reports, or embezzlement.
- Identity Theft: Using another person’s personal information to commit fraud or access funds.
- Theft by Deception: Obtaining property through false promises, fraud, or misrepresentation.
- Theft of Services: Failing to pay for services such as utilities, rentals, or professional work.
- Grand Theft: Cases involving high-value property, such as vehicles, jewelry, or real estate.
- Petty Theft and Larceny: Smaller-scale offenses involving lower-value items.
Each case comes with its own challenges, and our team is prepared to address the unique aspects of your situation to build the strongest possible defense.
How Dawson Law Office Can Help
Facing theft charges can be an intimidating and stressful experience, but with the right legal team, you can fight back effectively. At Dawson Law Office, we take a strategic and personalized approach to defending our clients, ensuring their rights and interests are protected.
Our Approach:
- Case Analysis
We begin by examining the details of your case, including police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence. This allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and opportunities for a strong defense.
- Tailored Defense Strategies
Every case is different. We craft a defense strategy based on the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. This might involve challenging evidence, proving lawful ownership, or negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges.
- Negotiation and Advocacy
Many theft cases can be resolved through negotiation, whether by securing a plea deal, pursuing alternative sentencing options, or achieving a dismissal of charges. When a resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate aggressively on your behalf in court.
- Protecting Your Reputation
A theft charge can damage your personal and professional life. We work to minimize the impact of the case on your future, focusing on preserving your clean record whenever possible.
Defenses Against Theft Charges
There are several potential defenses that may apply in a theft case, depending on the evidence and circumstances:
- Lack of Intent: Proving that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
- Mistaken Ownership: Demonstrating that you believed the property was yours or had a legitimate claim to it.
- Insufficient Evidence: Highlighting inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Coercion or Duress: Showing that you were forced to commit the theft under threat or pressure.
- Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement induced you to commit the alleged crime.
At Dawson Law Office, we evaluate every detail of your case to determine the most effective defense strategy.
Why Choose Dawson Law Office?
At Dawson Law Office, we understand the serious consequences theft charges can have on your life. We’re committed to providing compassionate, results-driven legal representation to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Clients Choose Us:
- Experience in Criminal Defense: With years of experience defending clients against theft and related charges, we have a proven track record of success.
- Client-Centered Approach: We take the time to listen to your story and prioritize clear communication throughout the legal process.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Whether negotiating a favorable resolution or fighting for you in court, we’re dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
- Protecting Your Future: We work tirelessly to minimize the impact of theft charges on your life, focusing on preserving your clean record whenever possible.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
The sooner you involve a skilled theft defense lawyer, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Early intervention allows us to:
- Preserve crucial evidence that might otherwise be lost or destroyed
- Prevent you from making statements to law enforcement that could harm your case
- Begin negotiating with prosecutors before charges are formally filed
- Explore alternatives to traditional prosecution, like diversion programs or deferred sentencing
Don’t let a theft accusation derail your life. Contact Dawson Law Office today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.
