Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, is charged whenever a person takes an item of value. One of the most common ways this crime is charged is when a person shoplifts, as was the example of these two people who engaged in retail Theft last year. The men were charged with felony Theft for stealing goods that totaled more than $2,000 in retail value. However, this did not seem fair to them, and their lawyers argued that they should have instead been charged with misdemeanor Theft for taking items that were on sale. Unfortunately for them, this didn’t quite pan out, and the duo was convicted of their felony charges.
Weld County Court Legal Definition of Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401
The legal definition of Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, as used by the Weld County Court, is defined as follows:
(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; (e) Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time or return in any lease or hire agreement; or (f) Intentionally misrepresents or withholds a material fact for determining eligibility for a public benefit and does so for the purpose of obtaining or retaining public benefits for which the person is not eligible.
Examples of Theft in Dacono and Firestone | How is Theft Charged in Northern Colorado?
One way that Theft is charged in Dacono and Firestone, as demonstrated by the story above, is through an act of shoplifting. Some other examples of Theft that are charged in Northern Colorado include:
- Embezzlement, or misappropriating workplace funds
- Refusing to return an item you rented – e.g., a U-Haul – within 72 hours of the return window
- Physically taking something that doesn’t belong to you – e.g., a credit card someone accidentally left behind at a restaurant
- Misrepresenting facts while applying for public benefits, such as food stamps or Medicaid, when you would otherwise not be eligible
Greeley Penalties for Theft | Weld County Jail or Colorado Prison Time?
In Greeley, penalties for Theft – including Weld County Jail or Colorado prison time – depend on the aggregate value of the item(s) stolen. See the table below:
Classification |
Aggregate Value |
Penalties |
| Petty offense / misdemeanor Theft | $1,999 or less |
|
| Felony Theft | $2,000 or more |
|
If you have been charged with Theft, it is in your best interest that you contact a top criminal defense lawyer right away. Misdemeanor Theft and felony Theft can both result in costly penalties that could cost you your job, your finances, and your personal reputation. Give us a call today so that we can represent you at the Weld County Courthouse and help you protect your future.
Have you been charged with Theft? First, exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss your charges with the Weld County Sheriff or Greeley Police. Then get in contact with the best criminal defense lawyers at 970-616-6009 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Kindel Media