Theft charges in El Paso County, Colorado can result from stealing or misappropriating funds that are your responsibility. Those who serve in roles such as a treasurer can face impactful criminal charges when money goes missing. Earlier this month, a former police officer was sentenced in a theft case where he stole thousands of dollars from two charities where he was the acting treasurer. Accusations or charges of theft of this nature requires strategic representation from a skilled theft lawyer.
Felony Theft Charges in Colorado Springs
C.R.S. 18-4-401 defines the elements of theft in Colorado. Someone commits this offense in El Paso County if they:
- knowingly obtain, retain, or exercise control,
- over something of value without authorization or by threat / deception,
- AND intend to permanently deprive another person from its use or benefit,
- use, conceal, or abandon the property in a way that makes it permanently unusable,
- OR retain the item for 72+ hours beyond an agreed time of return
The former cop in the above story was charged with felony theft because of the total value of money stolen. Below are the values that apply to the specific level of offense:
- less than $50 = petty offense,
- $50 – $1,999 = misdemeanor,
- $2,000+ = felony
How Long Can You Go to Jail for Theft in Colorado?
The consequences of a theft conviction in Colorado Springs depend on the specific facts of the case and the aggregate value of property stolen. Additionally, all occurrences of theft within a 6-month timeframe can be added together to increase penalties. In the case above, a class 4 felony applies because the theft value ranged from $20,000 – $100,000. Possible ramifications include:
- 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of up to $500,000,
- 1 – 5 years of parole
El Paso County Theft Lawyer
Theft is a serious crime in Colorado Springs, Monument, and Fountain with penalties that can grow significantly with high-valued items / property. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience fighting theft charges throughout Colorado and our results speak for themselves. Perhaps you didn’t intend to deprive anyone of the funds or someone else took the money or property. Nonetheless, contact our office today for a helpful free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique theft case and suggest next steps in forming a strong defense on your behalf.
If you or someone you know is facing theft charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the reputable defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Brett Sayles