Are you facing a Misdemeanor Theft charge in Weld County? Our Theft attorneys explain the difference between Felony and Misdemeanor Theft Colorado Theft can be a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the value of the property stolen. However, regardless of whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, the penalties of a Theft conviction can have repercussions on your finances, job, and criminal record. Below, our top attorneys discuss the difference between Misdemeanor and Felony Theft, and how a top criminal defense attorney can help you.
Colorado Legal Definition of Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401
The legal definition of Theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, in Colorado is:
(1) A person commits theft when he or she knowingly obtains, retains, or exercises control over anything of value of another without authorization or by threat or deception; or receives, loans money by pawn or pledge on, or disposes of anything of value or belonging to another that he or she knows or believes to have been stolen, and:
(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.
What is Larceny / Theft in Greeley, Colorado?
Simply put, Larceny is another name for Misdemeanor Theft in Greeley. If the value of the property that is stolen is between $300 and $2,000, then the charge is Misdemeanor Theft, or Larceny. When the value is more than $2,000, then it is charged as Felony Theft.
Theft from an At-Risk Person in Colorado
Theft can also be a felony if the defendant took an item of value from an elderly person (over 70 years old) or a disabled person, because they are considered an “at risk” person. For Theft Against an At-Risk Victim to be charged as a felony, one of the following additional circumstances must apply:
Punishment in Weld County for a Misdemeanor Theft Conviction
In Weld County the sentence and punishment for a Theft conviction depends on the value of the item that was stolen. When the property involved is $300 or more, but less than $1,000, it is sentenced as a class 2 misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and up to $750 in fines. When the value of the stolen object is $1,000 or more but less than $2,000, it is a class 1 misdemeanor with punishments of up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
How Can Top Windsor, Ault, and Severance, Colorado Theft Attorneys Help You?
As top attorneys in Windsor, Ault, and Severance, we know that it is important to learn the details of your case and help you navigate the Weld County Courts. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience defending Theft charges and want to help you fight for your future. Let us take a look at your case and see if we can help you reduce the charges, or if the evidence can even lead to a dismissal.
Accused of misdemeanor or felony Theft? Remember that the Greeley Police are not there to help you. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Theft criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Image by Kris from Pixabay