Auto Theft in Colorado – What You Need to Know

Posted on July 6, 2023

Auto Theft in Colorado -- What are the punishments? [2022 UPDATES IN DESCRIPTION]

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Auto theft in Colorado is prosecuted as motor vehicle theft (CRS 18-4-409). Currently, Colorado has the third highest rate of auto thefts in the nation.¹ Plus, many counties have law enforcement task forces in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol to catch and prevent organized auto theft crimes.²

What if I get caught stealing a car in Colorado?

People arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Colorado face charges for either first-degree, second-degree-, or third-degree auto theft.

First-degree motor vehicle theft is knowingly stealing or possessing a stolen car without authorization and you have at least two prior convictions for auto theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (in Colorado or elsewhere).

Second-degree motor vehicle theft is stealing or possessing a stolen car without authorization and with at least one aggravating factor (such as taking the car out of state).

All other forms of stealing a car are prosecuted as third-degree motor vehicle theft.³

What is the penalty for stealing a car in Colorado?

The sentence for motor vehicle theft turns on the degree.

1st degree motor vehicle theft

Class 3 felony:

4 – 12 years in prison (with 5 years of mandatory parole), and/or
$3,000 – $750,000

2nd degree motor vehicle theft

Class 4 felony

2 – 6 years in prison (with 3 years of mandatory parole), and/or
$2,000 – $500,000

3rd degree motor vehicle theft

Class 5 felony:

1 – 3 years in prison (with 2 years of mandatory parole), and/or
$1,000 – $100,000⁴

Plus auto theft carries a 1 year driver’s license revocation.

Thief breaking into car to steal it in violation of CRS 18-4-409

The legal name for grand theft auto in Colorado is motor vehicle theft.

What do I do if someone stole my car in Colorado?

People who discover their car has been stolen should first make sure they are safe. The thief may still be in the vicinity and could be armed.

Next, victims of car theft should contact the police and tell them all the stolen vehicle’s identifying information. This includes:

Car make, model, and year
Appearance of the motor vehicle (color and identifying features, such as dents)
License plate number
VIN (vehicle identification number) if possible

After contacting the police, victims should file a claim with their insurance company and notify the Colorado DMV.

If the car was being financed or leased, victims should then notify their lenders or leasing companies. And if the car contained any personal property, victims could file a claim with their home or renters insurance.

Finally, if the stolen car contained credit cards or debit cards, victims should report them stolen and check for unauthorized purchases.

Is auto theft a common crime in Colorado?

Yes. As of 2021, Colorado’s auto theft rate is the third highest in the United States. For every 100,000 people in Colorado, there are about 384 car thefts. Since 2010, auto thefts have increased by 58%.

The most common vehicles being stolen include:

GMC Pickups
Chevy Pickups
Dodge Pickups
Ford Pickups
Honda CRVs
Honda Accords
Honda Civics
Toyota Corollas
Toyota Camrys
Nissan Altimas

In many cases, car thieves sell the car parts – particularly the catalytic converters.⁵

Legal References

Kevin Torres, Colorado has the 3rd highest rate of auto theft in the nation, KDVR, Fox 31, Denver (August 9, 2021).
See, for example, Jefferson County Auto Theft Task Force.
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 18-4-409. People v. Andrews, (Colo. 1981) 632 P.2d 1012; People v. Stellabotte, (Court of Appeals, 2016) 421 P.3d 1164. Prior to July 1, 2023, motor vehicle theft was called aggravated motor vehicle theft, and its penalties turned on the value of the vehicle. SB23-097.
CRS 18-4-409. Prior to March 1, 2022, second-degree aggravated motor vehicle of less than $1,000 carried 6 to 18 months in jail and/or up to $500 to $5,000 in fines; and second-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft of $1,000 to less than $20,000 was a class 6 felony. SB21-271. Reinstatement Frequently Asked Questions, Colorado Department of Revenue.
See note 2.

About the Author

Michael Becker

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.

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