Property Crimes like Theft, Trespassing and Criminal Mischief are often charged together in Greeley and Weld County. This would likely be the case for a man and woman who are wanted for stealing a rare poster out of a Colorado campus auditorium. Law enforcement has released pictures of the wanted couple, asking the public for help in identifying them. If they are ever caught, they will likely be charged with Theft, Trespassing, and Criminal Mischief. Let’s take a closer look at these common property crime charges in Colorado.
How is Trespassing Charged in Greeley? Second Degree Criminal Trespass
Trespass is charged in Greeley and Weld County when a person unlawfully enters or remains somewhere. The location the person is trespassing on determines whether it is charged as First Degree Criminal Trespass, Second Degree Criminal Trespass, or Third Degree Criminal Trespass. For the Poster Stealers, they would likely be facing Second Degree Trespassing – C.R.S. 18-4-503 – which is defined as:
(a) Unlawfully enters or remains in or upon the premises of another which are enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders or are fenced; or
(b) Knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in or upon the common areas of a hotel, motel, condominium, or apartment building; or
(c) Knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a motor vehicle of another.
An auditorium would likely be deemed a premises that was designed to exclude intruders. Trespass combined with another crime, like Theft, can also result in Burglary charges.
Weld County Theft Charges: Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft
Simply put, Theft is defined under C.R.S. 18-4-401 as taking something of value that doesn’t belong to you with the intent of not giving it back. The value of the item or items taken determine whether the Theft is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. If the total value of the items equals less than $2,000, then it would be charged as a felony. A valuation of more than $2,000 is a felony. The article did not disclose the value of the poster, but kept describing it as ‘rare,’ which likely equates to expensive.
Greeley Criminal Mischief Property Damage: Defense Attorney Explains
The Greeley, Weld County, Colorado law definition of Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501 – is:
It was noted in the article that the wall was damaged when the poster was removed. Criminal Mischief is charged much like Theft, where the damage caused determines whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Less than $2,000 in damages is a misdemeanor, whereas over $2,000 is a felony.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, Theft or another property crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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