Experienced Denver, Colorado Defense Attorney for Those Facing Criminal Charges for Shoplifting
It could be that the whole situation was a misunderstanding. Maybe it was not your first time, but now you are regretful and want to change your ways. Or you did it because you were down on your luck and were not sure how else to get the things you and your family needed. Perhaps you were goaded into it by friends. Or you just could not stop yourself.
There are all kinds of ways that people can be accused of and charged with shoplifting, and these days more and more stores are taking a hard line when they believe guests are stealing. Those accused of shoplifting in and around Denver, Colorado face potentially serious consequences, including fines and possible jail or even prison time.
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Denver, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to fight these charges. Attorney Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw has extensive experience in handling Colorado shoplifting cases and is committed to achieving a positive outcome for his clients. Don’t risk your future—contact WeedenLaw by calling (720) 307-4330 or reach out via our online intake form today.
Facing Shoplifting Charges in Colorado
No matter what your situation, being stopped by store security and questioned or detained is not a fun experience. Most people go through a range of feelings, from surprise to fear to anger to a sense of hopelessness, depending on the specifics.
If you had to go through this, there were probably all kinds of questions running through your head, including:
- How can I get out of this?
- What should I say?
- Can I just walk away?
- Are they allowed to hold me?
- Why won’t they listen?
- Will I have to pay a fine?
- Could I possibly end up in prison?
As an experienced Denver criminal attorney who has helped countless Coloradans successfully battle charges like these, Jeff Weeden has heard it all before. He understands how disorienting it can be to suddenly be accused of theft in the middle of a store. To wonder what rights you have and what you are allowed to do. To feel like you are trapped and there is no way out.
Stores want other customers to notice your fear so that they will be deterred from stealing themselves. Police and prosecutors want you in a disoriented state so that you will be more likely to say or do something that can help them to convict you. The important thing is that you keep calm, stay silent, and ask for a lawyer before answering any questions regarding the alleged theft.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Shoplifting?
Even a seemingly minor legal matter like shoplifting can have significant consequences, and having a lawyer on your side can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. You have rights, and both store and law enforcement officials are required to follow certain rules and procedures as they go through the process of detaining, arresting, and charging you.
Denver criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden knows these rights, rules, and procedures like the back of his hand. He understands how to guide you in your interactions with law enforcement and what to do if police or others treat you inappropriately. Half the battle is simply getting in touch with him as quickly as possible and exercising your right to remain silent until he is able to be there when you are questioned.
How Denver Shoplifting Attorney Jeff Weeden Can Help
Facing alleged theft charges can be a daunting experience. Denver shoplifting attorney Jeff Weeden understands the gravity of these charges and the impact they can have on your life. With his extensive legal experience, Attorney Weeden has successfully defended numerous clients against various crimes, including shoplifting. He can thoroughly assess your case to determine the best course of action, whether it’s fighting the charges in court or negotiating a guilty plea bargain.
A criminal conviction for theft can potentially lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record, which is why having an experienced attorney like Jeff Weeden by your side is so important. He can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process while actively working to minimize the potential penalties or even getting the theft charge dismissed altogether.
To speak with Denver shoplifting defense attorney Jeff Weeden during a completely FREE consultation, call (720) 307-4330 today.
Colorado Shoplifting Laws
Under Colorado law (CRS § 18-4-406), shoplifting is considered the “concealment of goods” and is a petty offense if the value of the items stolen does not exceed $50. Once the value of the items stolen exceeds $50, the charge escalates to a midemeanor charge in Colorado, and once it exceeds $2,000, it becomes a felony offense.
Also according to Colorado law, an individual can be charged with shoplifting after leaving the store with unpaid merchandise. This is because the act of taking items without paying and then exiting the store is seen as evidence of intent to permanently deprive the store of its goods, a key component in establishing a shoplifting offense.
Denver Shoplifting Penalties
The consequences you face if you are convicted for shoplifting in Colorado vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including the value and nature of the items stolen. Regardless, a theft conviction of any kind is nothing to take lightly. Potential penalties for a criminal coviction of shoplifting include:
Petty Shoplifting Offenses
- Class 1 Petty Offense (value of items stolen is less than $50): Can result in a fine of up to $500.
Misdemeanor Shoplifting Offenses
- Class 3 Misdemeanor (value $50 to less than $300): Up to six months in jail and fines of up to $750.
- Class 2 Misdemeanor (value $300 to less than $750): Three months to up to one year in jail and fines between $250 and $1,000.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor (value $750 to less than $2,000): Six to 18 months in jail and face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Felony Shoplifting Offenses
- Class 6 Felony (value $2,000 to less than $5,000): Punishable by 12 to 18 months of prison time and fines of $1,000 to $100,000.
- Class 5 Felony (value $5,000 to less than $20,000): Can result in one to three years in prison and fines between $1,000 and $100,000.
- Class 4 Felony (value $20,000 or more): This carries a penalty of 2 to 6 years in prison with fines ranging from $2,000 to $500,000.
The specific circumstances of the shoplifting incident, such as the nature and value of the stolen property, as well as a person’s criminal history, can influence the exact theft penalties applied. It’s also important to consider the fact that multiple shoplifting trips are often lumped together into a single charge in our state. That means that even if you are only accused of taking around $100 worth of items in an individual incident, it only takes about 10 trips to push you over that limit and into felony territory. It does not stop there, either.
Beyond fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, you may also face a civil penalty. Under the law, Colorado shoplifting penalties may also include liability for actual damages plus a penalty of between $100 and $250. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor who shoplifted, you will be held liable for these civil penalties.
What is the Best Defense for Shoplifting?
It is fairly common in these types of cases for law enforcement officials to offer plea deals in an attempt to get someone to admit guilt. While a plea deal is not necessarily a bad idea, you should never simply accept the first offer you get – not without talking it over with an experienced defense attorney.
When you work with Jeff Weeden, his goal will always be to get your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed and see that you face the minimum possible penalties. There are a number of shoplifting defenses he might use depending on your case, whether that’s providing evidence that can prove your innocence or that police violated your rights in a way that nullifies the charges – or at least gets evidence stricken from the record.
If that is not possible, he will look into alternative sentencing options such as pretrial diversion programs that can help you avoid incarceration – and sometimes may not even count as a conviction. At the very least, having a skilled Denver theft defense lawyer on your side gives you a far better chance of getting a good plea deal.
Work with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney at WeedenLaw
Attorney Jeff Weeden, an experienced Denver shoplifting attorney, possesses the skills and knowledge it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for your shoplifting case, as well as a variety of other types of theft cases. However, he can only apply these abilities to benefit you once you make the initial contact. If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in the greater Denver area, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your future. To address your individual situation and discuss the alleged crime, set up a free consultation with our law office, WeedenLaw, as soon as possible.
All you need to do to is call us at (720) 307-4330, send an email to jlweeden@weedenlaw.com, or fill out our online free case review form so we can start advocating for your best interests as soon as possible.
