Denver police have reported a 12.7 percent increase in violent crime last year, largely due to the number of robberies committed by persons stealing iPhones (Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301). In 2011 there were 1,143 reported robberies in Denver County, Colorado, up from 926 in 2010. 83 of those robberies were allegedly committed by persons trying to obtain the much-desired iPhone.
In Colorado jurisdictions such as Broomfield, Douglas, and Adams County, robbery is a class 4 felony. In order to prove this crime, prosecutors must establish that a person knowingly took anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if a person accused of taking a $300 iPhone or a $50,000 Rolex, if the item is taken by force or threats, the punishment is the same. A person convicted can be punished by up to 6 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine. The penalties can be even more severe if this crime is aggravated, which means it is committed with a deadly weapon and the intent to harm another (C.R.S. 18-4-302).
Robbery is not the only crime on the rise in Denver. Authorities also report an increase in instances of assaults, thefts burglaries, and arsons. Perhaps these kind of property-based crimes are increasing as a result of the desperation people are facing in poor economic times. On the other hand, it may also be a result of police and prosecutors either wrongfully charging or overcharging many people with crimes they did not commit.
If you have been accused of a crime like assault or robbery in Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Weld County Colorado, the experienced attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office can help you. We practice solely in the area of criminal defense, and we know how to lessen or eliminate the possible penalties you are facing. If you are contacted by the police on suspicion of robbery, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.