Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
Colorado DUI
Getting arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted. Police misconduct, defective breathalyzers and crime lab mistakes may be enough to get your charges lessened or dismissed. Visit our page on Colorado DUI Laws to learn more.
Colorado In-Depth
It is normal to be frightened and overwhelmed following an arrest. Therefore our lawyers are devoted to demystifying major topics in Colorado criminal defense law.
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Theft of property or cash worth $2,000 or more (“grand theft“) is always a felony larceny charge in Colorado. The higher the value of the items stolen, the harsher the Colorado State Prison sentence and fines.
In addition, stealing $500 or more from an elderly or disabled person is always a class 3 felony – carrying 4 to 12 years in prison and/or $3,000 to $750,000. And if the value of the property is less than $500, stealing from an at-risk person is a class 5 felony – carrying 1 to 3 years in prison and/or $1,000 to $100,000.
Furthermore, Colorado felony theft sentences carry an order to pay restitution to the victim for the cash or thing of value that was stolen.1
Note that larceny carries the same penalties as embezzlement. But larceny carries different penalties from other types of theft such as robbery (which requires the use of force or threats), burglary, theft of trade secrets, and identity theft.
Theft of a motor vehicle is always a felony under Colorado criminal law.
First-degree automobile theft is a class 3 felony carrying 4 to 12 years in prison and/or $3,000 to $750,000.
Second-degree automobile theft is a class 4 felony carrying 2 to 6 years in prison and/or $2,000 to $500,000.
Third-degree automobile theft is a class 5 felony carrying 1 to 3 years in prison and/or $1,000 to $100,000.2
Theft is not a Colorado felony if the value of the property is less than $2,000.
Note that pick-pocketing or otherwise stealing from an elderly or disabled person is always a felony under Colorado theft laws – no matter the value of the property.3
Learn more about misdemeanor theft and petty theft, which comprise most shoplifting cases.
The district attorney can reduce Colorado felony theft charges down to misdemeanor- or petty theft if you can show that the allegedly stolen property was priced at less than $2,000. Or it may be possible to get the theft case dismissed by arguing that:
Colorado convictions for stealing $100,000 or more (class 2- or 3 felonies) can never be sealed. Otherwise, felony theft convictions are sealable three years after the case ends.
Note that any felony charges for theft offenses which get dismissed can be sealed right away.4 Learn how to seal Colorado criminal records.
If you have been arrested on criminal charges, contact our Colorado criminal defense lawyers for legal advice. Our DUI/domestic violence/criminal defense attorneys have law offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Loveland. And our Colorado law firm takes criminal cases throughout the state of Colorado including Arapahoe County and more. Call us or use our contact form.
Go back to our Colorado theft crimes main page.
Michael Becker has over a quarter-century's worth of experience as an attorney and more than 100 trials under his belt. He is a sought-after legal commentator and is licensed to practice law in Colorado, Nevada, California, and Florida.