BURGLARY LAW CHANGES IN COLORADO
Burglary Law Change in Denver and Arapahoe County, Colorado
First Degree Burglary can be distinguished from Second Degree Burglary in Denver and Arapahoe County, Colorado, due to the presence of a deadly weapon, such as a gun or knife. This difference highlights that the presence of one of these weapons presents a greater threat to the life of the inhabitants of the building or occupied structure.
In the past, simply the presence of a deadly weapon would highlight the difference. Recently, a Colorado law change has now further differentiated between the two by requiring that the deadly weapon must be USED or THREATENED TO BE USED in order for the weapon to classify the burglary as First Degree.
Mere possession of a deadly weapon (excluding explosives) is no longer sufficient to charge someone with First Degree Burglary.
Use or Threatened Use of Weapon in Burglary – Law Change in Adams County
This is a refreshing change of the law, and something rarely seen. Generally, legislators like those in Adams County, who are eager to prove they are tough on crime and protective of the majority, propose more strict amendments to any law. Perhaps the legislature is trying to find ways to decrease prison populations.
The cost of housing an inmate in the Department of Corrections is over thirty thousand dollars per year. Sentencing alternatives like Community Corrections, Work Release, or Probation, cost much less. We can understand the need for changes in law when such a great portion of our tax dollars are used for housing inmates rather than educating children or paving roads.
1st Degree Burglary Law in Jefferson County Now Makes More Sense
First Degree Burglary and related crimes like Robbery in Jefferson County, Colorado are serious crimes which threaten the safety of men and women in their own homes. Yet a serious crime such as this can be punished under the new terms of law as well as the old. We will continue to provide sufficient disincentive to entering the homes of others, and save money by unnecessarily incarcerating men and women in prison.
Lawyer for Burglary Charge in Douglas County
C.R.S. 18-4-202
Contact our lawyers if you have further questions regarding this burglary law change. Burglary charges in Douglas County come is three different ways: First Degree Burglary, Second Degree Burglary, or Third Degree Burglary. To protect your rights, above all else, always remain silent when police contact you. Then, call our defense attorneys at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Read about the differences between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Burglary Charges.
