Denver Theft Criminal Defense Lawyer Fighting to Protect Your Future
A theft accusation can threaten your freedom, reputation, employment, and ability to gain employment. You need a Denver theft attorney who understands how prosecutors build these cases. Jeff Weeden has practiced criminal defense in Colorado since 2005. He has secured reduced, dropped, and dismissed criminal charges for clients across the state. Our law office answers calls 24/7 and prepares every criminal case for trial when needed.
Call (720) 307-4330 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Denver criminal defense lawyer.
Understanding Theft Charges in Colorado
Colorado law defines theft more broadly than taking property from a person or business. Theft may occur when someone knowingly obtains, retains, or exercises control over another person’s property without authorization. The statute also covers property obtained by threat or deception. The prosecution must prove the accused acted with one of the mental states listed in the statute. This may include an intent to deprive another person permanently of the property’s use or benefit. It can also involve knowingly using, concealing, or abandoning the property in a manner that causes permanent deprivation. Colorado’s theft statute also covers someone who demands improper payment before returning property. Other provisions address leased property kept more than 72 hours beyond its return date and misrepresentations involving public benefits. Cases may involve services, money, public benefits, leased items, or stolen property. The total value can make the theft crime a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony. Prosecutors may combine the value of items stolen during qualifying schemes or courses of conduct. Denver’s 2025 data listed 7,936 citywide thefts from motor vehicles. That number represented an 11% decrease from 2024. Reported incidents do not establish guilt in an individual criminal case.Penalties for Theft Conviction: First-Time Offender Theft Charges in Colorado
A first arrest does not guarantee dismissal, probation, or freedom from jail. The alleged value generally establishes the charge level under Section 18-4-401.| Alleged Value | Colorado Theft Classification |
| Less than $300 | Petty offense |
| $300 to less than $1,000 | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| $1,000 to less than $2,000 | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| $2,000 to less than $5,000 | Class 6 felony |
| $5,000 to less than $20,000 | Class 5 felony |
| $20,000 to less than $100,000 | Class 4 felony |
| $100,000 to less than $1 million | Class 3 felony |
| $1 million or more | Class 2 felony |
Penalties for Theft Conviction: Repeat Theft Offenders in Colorado
Prior convictions can influence plea negotiations, prosecution demands, and sentencing decisions. Colorado’s habitual criminal laws may increase punishment for people with qualifying felony records. The prosecutor must still prove that the prior offenses satisfy the applicable statutory requirements. A defense lawyer should review the conviction dates, offense classifications, and records from each earlier criminal case. Prosecutors may also aggregate thefts committed within six months. Separate thefts against the same person may be combined when they arose from one scheme or course of conduct. Aggregation can increase the total value and raise the charge from a petty offense to a misdemeanor or felony. Repeat allegations do not eliminate available defense strategies. WeedenLaw reviews each claimed prior conviction and every transaction included in the prosecution’s valuation.How a Denver Theft Lawyer Can Help Defend Your Case
Our Denver criminal defense team investigates the accusation instead of accepting the police report as complete. WeedenLaw can:- Obtain video, receipts, messages, witness accounts, and ownership records.
- Challenge unlawful searches, unreliable identifications, and unsupported value claims.
- Present defense evidence to prosecutors and pursue dismissal or reduced theft charges.
- Negotiate a plea bargain when it serves the client’s best interest or fight at trial.
Misdemeanor Theft Lawyer Denver
Property valued from $300 to less than $2,000 may support misdemeanor theft charges. The specific classification determines the potential jail and fine range.| Property Value | Classification | Possible County Jail Sentence | Possible Fine |
| $300 to less than $1,000 | Class 2 misdemeanor | Up to 120 days | Up to $750 |
| $1,000 to less than $2,000 | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 364 days | Up to $1,000 |
Felony Theft Lawyer Denver
Theft becomes a felony when the claimed value reaches $2,000. Property type or conduct may also support felony charges. Our defense lawyers test valuations, alleged possession, fraud claims, digital records, and statements. Penalties for felony charges under Colorado law include:| Property Value | Felony Classification | Presumptive Prison Range | Fine Range |
| $2,000 to less than $5,000 | Class 6 felony | 1 year to 18 months | $1,000 to $100,000 |
| $5,000 to less than $20,000 | Class 5 felony | 1 to 3 years | $1,000 to $100,000 |
| $20,000 to less than $100,000 | Class 4 felony | 2 to 6 years | $2,000 to $500,000 |
| $100,000 to less than $1 million | Class 3 felony | 4 to 12 years | $3,000 to $750,000 |
| $1 million or more | Class 2 felony | 8 to 24 years | $5,000 to $1 million |
Retail Theft Attorney Denver
Denver, Colorado shoplifting and retail theft cases may involve concealment, missed scans, altered labels, or disputed returns. We compare store video with receipts, payment records, witness statements, and the complete transaction to challenge claims of criminal intent.Denver Petty Theft Defense Attorney
Petty theft involves property valued below $300. Colorado’s petty theft punishment can include 10 days in jail and a $300 fine. WeedenLaw examines intent, consent, ownership, value, and supporting evidence while pursuing dismissal or reduced charges.Denver Robbery Defense Lawyer
Robbery involves knowingly taking something of value from another person through force, threats, or intimidation. Our Denver robbery defense lawyers examine identification, witness accounts, surveillance footage, and the accused person’s alleged role.Identity Theft Attorney Denver
Colorado identity theft charges depend on how someone allegedly possessed or used another person’s identifying or financial information. Certain conduct may constitute a Class 4 felony, Class 5 felony, or Class 2 misdemeanor. WeedenLaw defends identity theft charges by challenging access, permission, attribution, knowledge, intent, and alleged fraud. Digital and financial records may reveal weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims.Denver Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyer
Motor vehicle theft charges may involve unauthorized possession, damage, concealment, or altered identification. Our Denver motor vehicle theft lawyers investigate authorization, knowledge, identification, ownership records, location data, video, and communications.
Other Crimes Our Colorado Theft Lawyers Defend Against
Theft allegations can overlap with property crimes, financial offenses, or crimes involving force. These cases may involve burglary, deception, stolen property, embezzlement, firearms, or robbery. Our attorneys identify the elements of each charge and compare them with the available evidence. An allegation involving the same property may still produce several criminal charges.Burglary-Related Theft Allegations
Burglary concerns unlawful entry or unlawfully remaining somewhere with intent to commit another crime. Prosecutors do not need to prove a completed theft for some burglary charges. Our burglary defense lawyers challenge entry, intent, identification, authorization, and the claimed planned offense. Evidence showing consent or another lawful reason for entering may weaken the prosecution’s case.Theft by Deception / False Pretenses
Theft by deception may involve false statements allegedly used to obtain money, services, or property. Prosecutors must prove more than an unpaid debt or failed business agreement. Contracts, invoices, messages, and payment records may show that the dispute arose from a civil disagreement. A defense lawyer can examine what each party knew and expected when the transaction occurred.Receiving Stolen Property
Colorado’s theft statute covers certain dealings with property that a person knows or believes was stolen. The prosecution may rely on possession, purchase circumstances, price, statements, or attempts to conceal the property. Proving lack of knowledge may involve purchase records, advertisements, messages, witness testimony, and the condition of the property. Possession alone does not answer every question about knowledge or intent.Embezzlement and Employee Theft
Workplace property accusations may involve money, inventory, payroll, expense accounts, or entrusted funds. These cases can depend on authority levels, accounting practices, and internal policies. Our embezzlement defense examines financial records, intent, authorization, and loss calculations. A Denver white-collar crimes attorney can identify accounting errors, shared access, or unauthorized transactions by another person.Theft Involving Firearms or Other High-Value Property
Colorado classifies firearm theft as a Class 6 felony regardless of the firearm’s value. This classification became part of Colorado law through House Bill 25-1062. High-value property cases require reliable appraisals and proof connecting each item to the accused. Purchase records, condition, depreciation, ownership disputes, and market value may affect the total value.
Common Defense Strategies in Theft Cases
Every defense depends on the available evidence. Common defense strategies include:- The accused owned the property or had permission to use it.
- Prosecutors cannot prove intent to permanently deprive the owner.
- Witnesses or officers identified the wrong person.
- The stated value lacks reliable support.
- The accused did not know or believe that the property was stolen.
- Police obtained evidence through an unlawful search or coercive questioning.
- The allegations arose from a contract or ownership dispute rather than a crime.
What to Do After Being Arrested for Theft in Denver, CO
Your choices after an arrest can affect the legal process and available defense. Take these steps:- Remain silent and request a defense attorney before answering police questions.
- Do not discuss the criminal case through texts, social media, or recorded jail calls.
- Preserve receipts, messages, photographs, location records, and witness information.
- Do not delete, edit, conceal, or destroy records connected to the allegations.
- Follow bond terms and attend every Denver court date.
- Contact a Denver criminal defense lawyer before speaking with prosecutors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Denver
Can theft charges be dismissed?
Yes. Weak evidence, unlawful police conduct, witness problems, or proof of consent may support dismissal. The district attorney may also reduce criminal charges. WeedenLaw pursues the best possible outcome without promises.Will a Colorado theft conviction stay on my record?
A conviction stays public unless a court seals it or grants relief. Eligibility depends on the offense, disposition, history, and waiting period. The Colorado Judicial Branch states that sealing restricts public access, but the record still exists.What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony theft in Colorado?
Value usually separates misdemeanor and felony theft. Amounts below $2,000 support lower classifications, while $2,000 marks the threshold for felony theft. Firearm theft is a Class 6 felony regardless of value.Can first-time offenders avoid jail?
Some first-time clients may receive probation, deferred judgment, diversion, or another non-jail resolution. Eligibility depends on the case and court. Our attorneys compare each plea bargain with dismissal motions and trial risks.Should I speak with police before hiring a Denver theft crime attorney?
No. Police may use your words to strengthen the case despite your innocent explanation. Remain silent and request a criminal defense lawyer. Police are not responsible for providing legal advice or protecting your best interests.
Why Choose WeedenLaw as Your Denver Theft Defense Attorney?
Jeff Weeden has defended Colorado clients since 2005. His results include dismissals, reductions, and other favorable resolutions. His case results reflect the preparation and determined representation WeedenLaw brings to each case. Denver clients choose our law office for several reasons:- We answer calls 24/7 and respond promptly.
- We investigate each case and prepare aggressively for trial.
- We respect client goals and explain each legal option clearly.
- We represent clients in Denver, Colorado, and communities across the state.
