Iread an article the other day that filled me with happiness. When crimes happen, there are often people who step up to help in wonderful ways. According to the news, a family's Christmas was burglarized – thieves entered their home and stole all the presents from under the tree. The thieves were so thorough and ‘Grinchy,' even the children's piggy banks were stolen. Local police officers were so saddened by the situation that they collected enough money to provide a Christmas for the children. Let's take a closer look at Burglary, and how it is charged in Denver, Arapahoe, and El Paso County.

Burglary and Intent to Commit a Crime

The first thing you need to know about Burglary charges, is that simply breaking into a home won't result in a Burglary charge. Unlawfully entering a home results in Trespassing / Trespass charges. In order for Burglary to be charged, a person must unlawfully enter a home or building with the intent to commit a crime. The intended crime can be anything, such as Assault, Criminal Mischief, or in this case, Theft.

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Home Burglarized: Learn About this Crime in Colorado

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Burglary is charged in many different ways in Adams, Denver, and Jefferson County. There are four common types of Burglary charges in Colorado:

• First Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-202
• Second Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-203
• Third Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-204
• Possession of Burglary Tools – C.R.S. 18-4-205.

When a person is charged with Burglary, the severity of the offense depends on the situation. When a home is burglarized, the government takes it much more seriously than if a storage unit is broken into. If the Christmas thieves had burglarized a home in Lone Tree, Parker, or Highlands Ranch, they most likely would be charged with the 2nd Degree Burglary. If a weapon was used during the robbery, or if the family had been menaced or threatened, the more serious form of Burglary (1st Degree Burglary) would be charged.

The police raised enough money to give the family a Christmas.

Burglarized Home Leads to Generous Act

Sometimes, the police make mistakes, are accused of Assault Domestic Violence, and use road spikes and draw their guns on pregnant women rushing to the hospital. So, it was nice to read an article where the police were extremely generous. Their hearts went out to the family whose home had been burglarized. They didn't want the children to go without a Christmas, so they raised enough money to provide toys and gift cards to the family. As a new year approaches, it's nice to see law enforcement go the extra mile to help out a family in need.

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