Motor vehicle theft in Adams County, Colorado involves someone intentionally stealing another's automobile. Whether the car is taken without consent or by threat or deception, devastating consequences exist for conviction. Earlier this week, law enforcement arrested two suspects who are allegedly tied to more than 30 stolen vehicle cases mostly involving pickup trucks. Any allegation of stealing vehicles in Colorado requires skilled representation from a motor vehicle theft lawyer.

Adams County Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Laws

Adams County's aggravated motor vehicle theft laws prohibit stealing another person's car or a company vehicle. C.R.S. 18-4-409 addresses these specific violations in Colorado. Someone commits aggravated motor vehicle theft in Thornton, Brighton, or Commerce City if they:

• knowingly obtain or exercise control,
• over someone else's motor vehicle,
• without authorization or by threat or deception

These cases grow in severity if the car is kept for more than 24 hours, taken out of Colorado, used to commit another offense / cause damage, or the VIN or license plates are altered. Aggravated motor vehicle theft can even apply if someone borrows their parent's car without permission to go on a date.

Is Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Always a Felony in Colorado?

Motor vehicle theft is most often a felony offense throughout Colorado. It is misdemeanor crime when the vehicle is worth less than $1,000 and the defendant doesn't have more than one auto theft conviction. From there, 2nd degree aggravated motor vehicle theft can result in:

• 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• up to $100,000 in fines

Furthermore, when additional factors exist such as above, 1st degree aggravated motor vehicle theft applies. This can lead to:

• up to 12 years in prison,
• fines of $1,000 – $750,000

Additionally, a conviction of automobile theft in Colorado will result in at least a one year suspension of your driver's license.

Adams County Auto Theft Attorney

Finding an experienced motor vehicle theft lawyer is particularly essential in cases of auto theft in Colorado. Look no further than the strategic criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group. We have decades of combined experience fighting theft charges involving automobiles and prioritize our client's best possible outcome in each case. Perhaps someone else took the vehicle, you had the owner's permission, or there was police misconduct. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation. We will carefully analyze your auto theft charge, as well as recommend next steps.

So, if you or someone you know is facing motor vehicle theft charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Walter Lee Olivares de la Cruz on Unsplash