The Theft Detection Devices statute in Colorado (C.R.S. 18-4-417) is complex and requires the help of an experienced attorney to fight alleged charges. This law works to cover almost any device that can be used to help facilitate Shoplifting or Theft (C.R.S. 18-4-401). Any violation will be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado courts. Class 1 misdemeanors in Colorado carry a maximum punishment of up to eighteen (18) months in jail and up to a $5,000.00 fine.
Imagine a case where the District Attorneys in Adams, Denver and Douglas County prosecute a man for shoplifting and possession of Theft Detection Devices. He is confronted by the police in Aurora, Fort Collins, or Blackhawk and they search him. They find many items classified as Detection Devices like massage magnets, razor blades and extra pockets in his jacket. If the person charged with 18-4-417 were to call our attorneys, we could defend his innocence.
Arapahoe, Weld, and Jefferson County police break down detection devices into three categories: (a) theft detection deactivating devices, (b) theft detection devices, and (c) theft detection shielding devices. A “detection deactivating device”, according to C.R.S. 18-4-417, could be any tool used to remove theft detection devices including wire cutters, magnets, or anything that removes a detector from the item or renders the detector useless. “detection device” is a term describing anything that a store would use to monitor their inventory. These items could be tags, magnets, or wires. Finally, “detection shielding device” defines any item that can be used to hide something stolen, when their sole purpose is to be used to hide those items. Again, items covered by this statute could be extra pockets sown into clothing, purses used only to hide stolen objects, or foil lined clothing.
Theft Detection Devices charges in Adams, Denver, and Douglas County are broken down into several different subsections. The first section deals with the sale, manufacture, or distribution of Detection Devices in Colorado. In other words it is illegal to sell, make, or distribute anything that is made for the purpose of concealing items or removing sensors or tags.
With the complexity of C.R.S. 18-4-417 (Theft Detection Devices) in Colorado, you need a criminal defense lawyer in the Denver metro area to protect you. So, if you or a loved one have been charged with Detection Devices, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.