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Castle Rock Criminal Defense Attorneys

Castle Rock Theft Defense Lawyer

Skilled Theft Defense Attorneys in Castle Rock, CO

castle rock theft defense lawyers The crime of Theft occurs when a person takes a thing of value from another person with the “intent to permanently deprive” the other person of the thing. In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to never return the item or items in question to the rightful owner. Merely borrowing an item is not theft. It does not matter if the owner knew the item or items were borrowed. What matters is whether a jury would believe that the defendant intended to return the thing of value or not. A Castle Rock theft defense lawyer from High Plains Lawyers may be able to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence that the defendant had the intent to keep the item.

The seriousness of a theft crime is determined by the value of the item(s) or the amount of money that was taken. Theft of items or money that are worth less than $2,000 is considered a misdemeanor, and over $2,000 is a felony offense in Colorado.

Theft of:

  • Under $300 is a petty offense
  • $300 to $1,999 is a misdemeanor
  • $2,000 or above is a felony

Several different acts of theft can be combined in order to determine the level of crime that has been committed. For example, if a person steals $600 on one occasion, and $1,500 on another occasion, the district attorney can combine the values. Because the total is over $2,000 the defendant can be charged with a felony.

Theft from the body of another person, such as when someone “pick-pockets” another person, it is a Class 5 Felony. In Colorado, it does not matter what the value taken is. Believe it or not, taking a penny out of someone’s pocket while they are wearing that clothing is a Class 5 Felony in Colorado.

The circumstances surrounding a theft can influence the judge to give a harsh sentence or a mild sentence to the defendant. For example, stealing something in a conniving, well-planned way is likely to result in a harsher sentence than a theft that appears to have been done in an impulsive moment. Thefts of larger value are more likely to get a harsher sentence, both because they are a more serious offense carrying a higher possible penalty, and also because the sentencing judge will see the facts as being more aggravated. Penalties tend to be harsher for people who steal from someone who has entrusted them, such as when an employee steals from their employer. Theft from children or at-risk adults carry enhanced penalties. To learn more about the possible penalties for theft, please visit our sentencing page.

Theft by Receiving

Theft by receiving is the crime of accepting something of value that the defendant knew to be stolen. A Castle Rock criminal defense attorney may defend a case like this by challenging the evidence that the defendant was aware the item(s) had been stolen. The penalties for Theft by Receiving are the same as for Theft.

Theft of Rental Property

Theft of Rental Property occurs when a person legally rents an item, but fails to return the rented property for over 72 hours beyond the return date of the item. In the case of a rental car, this is a felony criminal offense.

Hire a Castle Rock Theft Defense Lawyer for Help

If you’re grappling with the serious implications of a theft charge in Colorado, now is the time to arm yourself with knowledge and the right legal support. Secure a Castle Rock Theft Defense Lawyer who is well-versed in navigating the complexities of the legal system and committed to defending your freedom and reputation. Don’t let a moment go to waste—enhance your chances of a favorable outcome by engaging a specialist who will craft a defense strategy specifically for you. Act now to protect your future; contact us today to stand by your side and fight for your rights.