Theft charges in Jefferson County, Colorado can arise when a person intentionally steals someone else's property. The value of the items is a large determining factor in this crime. When the total value of the property stolen is less than $2,000, a misdemeanor charge applies. However, if the total value reaches or exceeds $2,000, a felony can apply. Accusations or charges surrounding taking another's property requires consulting a skilled theft defense attorney as soon as possible.

What is Considered Theft in Colorado?

C.R.S. 18-4-401 defines the elements of Colorado's theft laws. Someone commits this crime in Littleton, Lakewood, or Golden if they:

• shoplift,
• take property by false pretenses,
• deliberately fail to repay a loan within 72 hrs of an agreed time-frame,
• take property co-owned without first getting approval

Pick-pocketing is another common form of theft that involves acts like taking a wallet out of someone's pocket or stealing a purse from a shopping cart when the owner isn't looking. Also known as theft by means other than force, threat, or intimidation, this is a serious criminal act and is a felony regardless of the value of the items themselves.

Will I Go to Jail for Theft in Jefferson County?

In most scenarios, the value of the items involved will determine the penalties for conviction of theft. When the value is under $300, petty theft applies and can lead to as many as 10 days in county jail, as well as fines of up to $300. Misdemeanor theft charges result when the item(s) value totals between $300 – $1,999. Potential ramifications can include up to 364 days in county jail and fines of as much as $1,000.

Felony theft applies in cases where the aggregate value of stolen property exceeds $2,000 or the victim is an at-risk person (age 70 and older or someone with a disability). Possible penalties for felony theft in Lakewood and Golden can include years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and as much as six-figure fines.

Jefferson County Theft Defense Attorney

Consulting a criminal defense attorney with significant experience is crucial in theft cases in Jefferson County. We have decades of combined experience representing clients facing theft charges throughout Colorado. Perhaps you were the owner of the property or didn't knowingly take anything of value. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your theft case and suggest next steps.

Don't talk to police about theft charges - talk to us. 303-830-0880

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