If you are charged with theft, you could face some serious consequences in Colorado. The punishments for theft under $2000 dollars can include jail time and hefty fines. However, the punishment is less compared to cases involving higher amounts. Regardless of the amount, you need to take prompt action to protect your rights and build a strong defense to the charge.
At the Law Office of Richard B. Huttner, we represent people charged with theft charges. Our attorneys are well-versed in Colorado criminal law and can guide you on your best legal options to fight these charges.
Colorado Criminal Code for a Non-Indictable Offense
Theft is defined as taking someone else’s property unlawfully. This includes obtaining control over another person’s property through deception or threat. The legal definition includes embezzlement, shoplifting, fraud, and other types of unlawful means to deprive the owner of the use or benefit of the stolen item.
The severity of penalties can vary depending on several factors, including the criminal history of the accused person and the value of the item(s) stolen. Theft over $2,000 is felony under Title 18 of the Criminal Code and is punishable by up to one years in jail. If the theft is under $2000, then it’s typically considered a misdemeanor, which is less serious than a felony charge. Theft over $2000 is considered a felony and depending on the value of the amount stolen can lead to a prison sentence ranging from six months to 48 years.
Penalties For Theft Under 5,000 Thousand Dollars
Under Colorado Law, any act of theft under $2000 is typically charged as a misdemeanor. If the property stolen is valued below $2,000, then it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can lead to a ear in jail, probation, and fines up to $1000. Class 2 misdemeanors are generally used for theft offenses involving stolen property valued between $300 and $1000. Colorado law generally classifies items stolen with a value under $50 as petty theft.
Aggravating factors can significantly increase the penalties. For example, the level of planning and deception, grand theft, breach of trust, use of a weapon during the theft, or theft from a vulnerable person can result in more severe penalties.
The consequences of theft go beyond legal penalties. The convicted person can suffer from irreversible reputation damage. Even minor theft can lead to social stigma that may affect relationships with colleagues, family, and friends. In addition, the convicted can suffer obstacles in their future employment opportunities. The convicted could face similar challenges in housing and immigration opportunities.
Does Theft Under $2000 Go On a Criminal Record?
Yes, a conviction of theft under $2000 goes on a criminal record in Colorado. This is one of the reasons why you need to respond strongly to such charges. If you are convicted of theft, it will appear on your criminal record, which can be viewed by landlords, employers, law enforcement officials, and other parties that have the authority to view such records.
Defenses For Individuals Facing Theft Charges Under $5000
Fighting theft charges is often challenging. However, with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can gather enough evidence to support your claim. A common defense in such cases is to prove a lack of intent. In this defense, your goal is to prove that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the item. For example, you took possession of the item believing that you are the rightful owner.
Other defense strategies include mistaken belief about the item, consent of the owner, coercion, or an alibi that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged theft.
Defend Against Theft Charges
At the Law Office of Richard B. Huttner, we understand the severity of punishment for theft charges, and we know how to defend against such charges. In some cases, you might have more than one legal defense to the criminal charges. However, you must choose your path carefully as you might not be able to change your legal approach at a later stage.
Our criminal defense attorneys can assess your case to guide you on the best legal defense. Our team can also handle the time-consuming and technical aspects of the legal proceedings. We recommend that you take swift action to allow you and your attorney maximum time to build a strong defense. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Richard B. Huttner.