When is Theft a Misdemeanor in Colorado?

Theft crimes in Douglas County and throughout Colorado range from a petty offense to a felony. Misdemeanor theft is charged when the value of the item(s) stolen falls within a specific range. Stealing another’s smartphone, wireless headphones, wallet, or even cash often leads to misdemeanor theft charges. Taking a jointly owned item without permission can also lead to trouble, and may even result in a domestic violence enhancement if you’re dating or did date the other owner. Do you have questions about a misdemeanor theft charge in Colorado? Sawyer Legal Group is here to help.

Douglas County Misdemeanor Theft Law

Douglas County’s misdemeanor theft law makes acts of larceny unlawful. CRS 18-4-401 specifically defines theft in Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree:

1) A person commits theft when he or she knowingly obtains, retains, or exercises control over anything of value of another without authorization or by threat or deception; or receives, loans money by pawn or pledge on, or disposes of anything of value or belonging to another that he or she knows or believes to have been stolen, and:
(a) Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value;
(b) Knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value in such manner as to deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(c) Uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value intending that such use, concealment, or abandonment will deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(d) Demands any consideration to which he or she is not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person; or
(e) Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time of return in any lease or hire agreement.

Misdemeanor theft charges apply when the above applies to something of value ranging from $50 – $1,999.

How Bad is Misdemeanor Theft in Douglas County?

Ranging from a class 3 misdemeanor up to a class 1 misdemeanor, acts of theft within this range come with substantial consequences. A conviction can lead to:

up to 18 months in county jail,
fines of $50 – $5K

Restitution amounts can also come into play with theft charges. Multiple thefts within a period of 6 months may include the value of the items being added together, thus increasing the penalty range. If a theft involves pick-pocketing or stealing from an elderly person or someone with a disability, the charge escalates to a felony.

Castle Rock Theft Lawyer

Speaking with an experienced Castle Rock theft lawyer early on in a case is very wise. Defendants face punishments for a conviction that will negatively impact their lives, possibly leading to job loss, financial issues, and ruined relationships. Just because you’ve been accused of theft doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Perhaps you were the only owner of the items, you didn’t knowingly take the property, or the value law enforcement is claiming isn’t accurate. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Your future and reputation are worth protecting.