As the holiday season approaches, so does an increase in Theft crime rates in Weld County. It becomes more common for packages to be taken off porches, for cars and homes to be left empty, and for misunderstandings in hectic stores. Criminal defense lawyers understand that the holidays bring about a busy shopping season filled with Theft opportunities. So if you’re facing false allegations of Theft in Weld County, contact the experienced criminal lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. We are happy to help defend your future this holiday season.
Holiday Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, in Greeley
Holiday Theft continues to be a pattern in Greeley, Colorado. To clarify what Theft is, let’s look at C.R.S. 18-4-401:
(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;
The key to a Theft charge is that it requires that the accused knew what they were doing or they had intentions of taking the item. If Greeley police cannot prove there was clear intention, they have a weak case against you.
Penalties and Sentence for Theft in Fort Collins, Evans and Erie
When anyone is facing a conviction for Theft in Fort Collins, Evans and Erie, the conviction depends on the value of the item(s) in question. If your ex is convicted for stealing your favorite hoodie after your breakup, they will be convicted of a class 1 petty offense. When a shady coworker goes through your purse and steals a $250 giftcard, they will be convicted of a class 3 misdemeanor. If you ordered a nice TV through amazon, and a porch pirate has taken it, they face a class 2 misdemeanor. A person can face up to a class 2 felony for Colorado Theft. To learn more about Theft in Colorado, check out our page!
How Can Our Lawyers Help When You’re Accused of Holiday Theft in Longmont or Windsor?
When you’re facing false accusations of Holiday Theft in Longmont or Windsor, it is vital you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend you. Depending on the facts of the case, there are multiple defenses our lawyers can use to protect you.
- That wasn’t you on the camera / The camera view is unclear and the person cannot be clearly identified
- The store was so busy that the item must have fallen in your basket by accident
- The store was so hectic you didn’t notice that you hadn’t purchased the item
- You thought you had permission to borrow the car / enter the home / use the item