Anytime in Greeley, when a person takes someone else’s property, it is Theft. When the property’s value is more than $300 and less than $2,000, it is charged as a misdemeanor. Below, the top lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office will discuss Misdemeanor Larceny or Theft, and what these charges can mean for you as a defendant. If you are facing charges of Theft in Larimer County, you can get help here.
Definition of Misdemeanor Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, in Weld County
The definition of Misdemeanor Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, in Weld County is:
(a) Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value;
(b) Knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value in such manner as to deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(c) Uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value intending that such use, concealment, or abandonment will deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
(d) Demands any consideration to which he or she is not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person; or
(e) Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time of return in any lease or hire agreement.
It is important to note that Misdemeanor Theft occurs when property is valued over $300 dollars and under $2,000 dollars. A misdemeanor may not sound like a severe criminal charge, but it still has harsh punishments like time in jail, fines, and a criminal record. Since all of these penalties can impact your future for a long time, it is important that a defendant has an experienced lawyer to defend them.
What is the Difference Between Petty Theft, Misdemeanor Theft, and Felony Theft in Windsor and Ault, Colorado?
The specific sentence and penalties in Windsor and Ault for all Theft charges depend on the value of the money or goods that are stolen. Petty Theft is when the property value is less than $300. It is Misdemeanor Theft if the property value is over $300 and under $2,000 and it is Felony Theft if the property is over $2,000. It is important to note that if the victim is elderly or disabled, then this crime is automatically charged as Felony Theft, no matter what the value of the property is.
What are the Sentences and Penalties for Misdemeanor Larceny or Theft in Weld County?
In Weld County, Colorado, Misdemeanor Theft / Larceny is a class 2 misdemeanor if the value of the thing involved is $300 or more but less than $1,000. These penalties can include up to 120 days in jail, and up to $750 in fines. Misdemeanor Larceny / Theft is a class 1 misdemeanor if the value of the thing involved is $1,000 or more but less than $2,000. The penalties for a class 1 misdemeanor include 3 months to 364 days in the Weld County Jail, a fine of between $250 and $1,000, or both. Also, the judge will always require Restitution to be paid to the victim. You can learn more about Restitution by going here.
Why Hire an Experienced Greeley, Colorado Lawyer When Facing a Misdemeanor Theft Charge?
Misdemeanor Theft charges in Greeley are less severe than Felony Theft charges. However, you can still face time in jail, and financial penalties. Having a skilled defense lawyer can help you with possibly serving probation instead of time in jail, and keeping your restitution order reasonable. Our criminal lawyers know how to apply Colorado law for your benefit, including a good plea bargain with the district attorney. Our lawyers have over 30 years working Theft cases and can help you get the best outcome in your case.