Boulder Theft Defense Attorney

Theft crimes are penalized more severely in Colorado than most people realize. Your entire future could be at stake if you are facing these charges. While you may not know what comes next after you’ve been arrested for theft or related charge, or how to correctly navigate the criminal process in Boulder, an attorney does.

At Dolan + Zimmerman, LLP, we can help. We take the time to create the ideal legal strategy for each client we represent and always maintain open lines of communication. We will work relentlessly on your behalf to minimize the effects of a theft or robbery charge on your life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your future during a case consultation.

Why Clients Choose Dolan + Zimmerman, LLP?

Our attorneys have significant experience representing criminal defendants and advocating for their rights.

We are not a law firm that pushes all of our clients to accept plea deals. We personalize our legal and defense strategies to achieve the best possible results for every case.

You will benefit from the highest quality criminal defense services at affordable rates. We keep our fees reasonable and offer payment plans for your peace of mind.

What Are Theft Charges in Colorado?

Theft charges are among the most commonly charged crimes in the State of Colorado. The definitions of theft can be found in the Colorado Criminal Code, in sections 18-4-401, respectively. Theft is described as taking something of value from another person without the owner’s consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the item. Many different crimes fall under the classification of theft, including:

Petty theft
Shoplifting
Auto theft
Employee theft
White-collar crimes
Theft by fraud or embezzlement
Identity theft
Theft of intellectual property
Credit card theft
Internet theft crimes
Mail theft
Theft of rental property
Unjust enrichment

Related to theft, robbery means to take something from the owner by use of force, threat or intimidation. Burglary is another crime commonly associated with theft and robbery charges. Burglary refers to trespassing on private property with the intent to commit a crime (including but not limited to theft). Theft may be charged as a petty offense or misdemeanor based on the value of the item stolen. Robbery and burglary charges, however, are always considered felonies in Colorado.

Penalties and Consequences for Theft

Most theft crimes are penalized based on the value of the property or item that was allegedly stolen. The more valuable the item, the harsher the penalty. If the value of the item stolen is less than $50, the charges entered are generally a class 1 petty offense. The severity of the charges will increase based on the value of the item, all the way to a class 2 felony. Here’s a breakdown of how theft crimes are classified and penalized in Colorado:

$50 to $300: class 1 petty offense or class 3 misdemeanor theft, punishable with up to 6 months in jail and a fine.
$300 to $750: class 2 misdemeanor theft, punishable with up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
$750 to $2,000: class 1 misdemeanor theft, punishable with up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
$2,000 to $5,000: class 6 felony, punishable with 1 year to 18 months in jail and a fine.
$5,000 to $20,000: class 5 felony, punishable with 1 to 3 years in jail and a fine.
$20,000 to $100,000: class 4 felony, punishable with 2 to 6 years in jail and a fine.
$100,001 to $999,999: class 3 felony, punishable with 4 to 12 years in jail and a fine.
$1 million or more: class 2 felony, punishable with 8 to 24 years in jail and up to $1 million in fines.

If the crime involved aggravating factors, such as theft using a deadly weapon or robbery involving bodily injuries, this will result in more severe penalties. The same is true if the defendant already had a previous criminal conviction on his or her record – especially if the individual is a repeat theft offender.

What Are Defenses to Theft Charges?

Regardless of the class of the theft crime you are charged with, it is important to hire an attorney, as you may be at risk of receiving a life-changing sentence. The strength of your defense strategy is critical for your future. Defense strategies that may be available to you include:

The prosecutors have the wrong person (mistaken identity/alibi).
You owned or believed you owned the property in question.
You had the owner’s permission to take the property.
You were borrowing the property with the intention of bringing it back.
Insufficient or inadmissible evidence, such as from an improper search and seizure.
Police misconduct or civil rights violations.
You only took the property under duress, coercion or entrapment.

Every case is unique and needs a tailored legal strategy for optimal results. At Dolan + Zimmerman, LLP, our attorneys take the time to customize each defense according to the specifics of the case and client. We will design a defense strategy that aims to take apart the prosecutor’s case against you and establish reasonable doubt.

How Can a Theft Defense Attorney Help My Case?

An attorney will provide the strongest advocacy and protection available as a criminal defendant in Boulder. Your defense lawyer will navigate the criminal justice system to fight the theft or robbery charge while continuously protecting your rights. Your lawyer can attend hearings for you, give you sound legal counsel, negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or penalties, help you obtain a lucrative plea deal, and/or go to trial to fight for a case acquittal on your behalf. No matter what your theft or robbery case looks like, you can trust a lawyer to handle it with exceptional skill and dexterity.

Speak to a Boulder Theft Defense Attorney Today

It is critical to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Boulder as soon as possible after being arrested or charged with the crime of theft, robbery or burglary. At Dolan + Zimmerman, LLP, we can immediately begin working on your case and advocating for your rights. Start with a consultation with our theft defense lawyer today.