Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer for Theft Charges in Denver, CO
Denver theft lawyer Jeff Weeden is known for his experience in handling Colorado theft charges of all kinds. As an experienced Denver theft attorney, Weeden helps uphold the legal rights of those accused of Colorado theft crimes and fights for the best possible outcome in every case, whatever that may be given the circumstances.
If you’ve been accused of an alleged theft crime in Denver, Colorado, you need an aggressive defense. For a free consultation with a seasoned Denver theft attorney, call WeedenLaw today at (720) 307-4330.
Colorado Theft Laws
The criminal justice system treats theft crimes very seriously, encompassing various offenses within Colorado law. Theft, as a category of property crimes, includes acts like embezzlement, fuel piracy, and robbery, all considered theft when done without the owner’s consent.
Whether it involves taking another’s property with the intent to temporarily use it or to permanently deprive the owner of it, theft crimes occur across a spectrum, reflecting the diverse nature of theft under Colorado law.
Penalties for Theft Conviction: First-Time Offender Theft Charges in Colorado
Facing first-time offender theft charges in Colorado can be daunting, with theft laws in the state outlining various penalties for different degrees of theft. When someone knowingly obtains property that does not belong to them, they risk not only immediate legal repercussions but also significant long-term consequences that can affect employment, housing, and more.
Navigating Colorado theft crimes requires a nuanced understanding of the law and a tailored defense strategy to mitigate these potential outcomes. This is where the experience of a Denver criminal defense attorney like Jeff Weeden becomes invaluable.
With a deep knowledge of criminal charges related to theft and a commitment to providing the strongest possible defense, Jeff Weeden can assess the specifics of your case, guide you through your legal options, and work toward minimizing the impact of a theft conviction on your life.
His legal experience and personalized approach to Colorado criminal defense law can be crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system and securing a more favorable outcome for first-time offenders and repeat offenders alike.
Petty Theft Charges
When it comes to theft charges, a petty offense is considered a minor crime involving stolen property or services worth less than $300. However, even a petty crime can result in a criminal record and negatively impact future opportunities. Colorado’s petty theft punishment includes fines of up to $300 and 10 days of jail time.
Misdemeanor Theft Charges
When theft escalates beyond a petty offense, it may lead to misdemeanor theft charges. A theft conviction at this level involves stolen property or services ranging in value from $300 to under $2,000.
Penalties for a misdemeanor theft conviction under Colorado law include:
- Class 2 Misdemeanor Theft Charge – Stolen property or services worth $300 to $1,000, carrying a maximum penalty of $750 fines and 120 days of jail time.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor Theft Charge – Stolen property or services worth $1,000 to $2,000, carrying a maximum penalty of $1,000 fines and up to one year of jail time.
Felony Theft Charges
Felony theft involves high-value items or complex schemes. As such, a theft charge at the felony level typically results in lengthy prison time, substantial fines, and long-lasting repercussions on an individual’s personal and professional life.
Penalties for felony charges under Colorado law include:
- Class 6 Felony – Applies to stolen property valued between $2,000 and $5,000 and carries maximum penalties of $100,000 fines and 18 months of prison time.
- Class 5 Felony – Applies to stolen property valued between $5,000 and $20,000 and carries maximum penalties of $100,000 fines and 3 years in prison.
- Class 4 Felony – Applies to stolen property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 and carries maximum penalties of $500,000 fines and 6 years in prison.
- Class 3 Felony – Applies to stolen property valued between $100,000 and $100,000,000 and carries maximum penalties of $750,000 fines and 12 years in prison.
- Class 2 Felony – Applies to stolen property valued at over $10,000,000 and carries maximum penalties of $100,000,000 fines and 24 years in prison.
Penalties for Theft Conviction: Repeat Theft Offenders in Colorado
Colorado law is structured to impose more severe penalties on individuals who repeatedly commit felony offenses, particularly in the realm of theft crimes. This approach is designed to deter repeat offenses by escalating the consequences with each subsequent conviction.
The determination of the maximum possible sentence and associated fines for a repeat felony offender is influenced by several critical factors. These include the specific classification of the theft crime for both the current and any prior offenses, the total number of theft convictions on the individual’s record, and the duration between these convictions, which can play a significant role in the legal proceedings.
When an individual is convicted of a third felony theft, the legal system in Colorado mandates a punishment that is notably harsher than that for first-time offenders. Specifically, the typical punishment for a third felony theft conviction is typically set at three times the maximum sentence that would typically be imposed on someone with no prior felony theft convictions.
This tripling of the sentence serves as a strong deterrent and reflects the state’s stringent stance against habitual criminal behavior.
Furthermore, if the individual goes on to commit a fourth felony theft, the punitive measures become even more severe. In such cases, the punishment typically escalates to four times the maximum sentence applicable to first-time felony theft offenders.
This progressive increase in penalties shows Colorado’s commitment to systematically addressing and penalizing repeat offenders, aiming to protect the community and reduce the incidence of theft crimes.
Types of Theft Cases Our Denver Theft Attorney Handles
Auto Theft Charges
Auto theft in Colorado involves the unauthorized use or taking of someone’s vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Given the serious penalties and long-term consequences of grand theft auto conviction, especially in the case of aggravated motor vehicle theft, it’s crucial to have an experienced Denver motor vehicle theft attorney to navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and potentially mitigate the charges or penalties you face.
Burglary
Defense against a burglary charge requires a Denver burglary defense lawyer who can challenge the prosecution’s attempt to prove intent for burglary. This is crucial since this theft crime involves unlawfully entering a property with the intent to commit a crime against a person or property.
Credit Card Theft
Credit card fraud and check fraud are significant concerns within Colorado’s theft crime law. Illegally using someone else’s credit card or debit card without their permission and other crimes related to this matter implicate the offender in serious offenses that can have long-lasting effects on the person involved.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves a person unlawfully taking assets entrusted to them, typically in a corporate or employment setting. These charges often require the insight of a Denver white-collar crimes attorney to achieve a favorable resolution.
False Pretenses
Charges under false pretenses relate to deceiving someone to obtain their property, a serious offense when it comes to Denver theft crimes. According to Colorado theft law, this involves manipulation and deceit, complicating the legal proceedings.
Identity Theft Charges
Colorado identity theft (or internet theft) involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s personal or financial information for illicit purposes, such as fraud or financial gain. This crime can lead to severe legal consequences, highlighting the importance of having a skilled Denver theft lawyer who can provide a strong legal defense.
Larceny
Larceny and theft in Colorado go hand in hand. As such, larceny occurs when someone unlawfully takes someone else’s property with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.
Robbery
Robbery is defined as the taking of anything of value directly from someone or in their presence, against their will, by using force, threats, or intimidation. Robbery is considered a serious felony in Colorado, and depending on the circumstances, such as the use of a deadly weapon or causing bodily injury, the charges can escalate to aggravated robbery, which carries even more serious consequences. A Denver robbery defense attorney like Jeff Weeden is critical in defending against such charges.
Shoplifting Charges
Whether you receive shoplifting charges before leaving the store or shoplifting charges after leaving the store, you need the help of an experienced Denver shoplifting lawyer. Your attorney can address the complexities of the alleged theft crime and its potential impact on an individual’s criminal record.
Theft By Receiving
Theft by receiving is the act of knowingly possessing, using, or disposing of stolen property. Your attorney can challenge the evidence regarding your knowledge of the property’s stolen status and work to protect your rights, potentially reducing or dismissing the charges.
Why You Need an Experienced Denver Theft Defense Attorney
Dealing with a legal matter of any kind, especially when it comes to an alleged crime, can be complicated and overwhelming for most people. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with theft in Colorado, you need help from someone with a nuanced understanding of the law to create a proactive defense strategy against the charges you face. Securing aggressive criminal defense representation is essential when it comes to navigating the complexities of theft charges and working towards a favorable outcome.
It’s critical to understand your options in such situations; only an experienced attorney, well-versed in criminal defense, can offer the legal counsel and representation needed to potentially mitigate both the short-term and long-term repercussions that come with theft charges. Having someone with a track record of success in cases like yours can be indispensable when crafting a strong defense that addresses the specifics of your case and ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Call Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw Right Away!
If you find yourself facing theft charges in the Denver, CO area, it’s imperative to take immediate action to protect your future. Jeff Weeden, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer at WeedenLaw, is ready to provide you with the aggressive representation you need to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case.
Don’t navigate this challenging time alone; contact our law office today for a free case evaluation. With Attorney Jeff Weeden on your side, you’ll receive the dedicated support and legal guidance needed to effectively address the charges against you. Call (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to learn more.
