Colorado Springs Burglary Lawyer

Facing Burglary Charges? The Penalties Could Be Severe. You Need To Act Fast — Your FREEDOM Could Be On The Line.

Burglary in Colorado is considered a felony charge. Colorado law breaks burglary down into three main charges: first, second, and third-degree. The consequences of being charged with any of these charges can be significant.

You’ll face significant fines, ranging from $1,000 to $1 million, and decades of potential prison time. You need a Colorado Springs Burglary lawyer to defend your rights.

When Should I Call a Colorado Springs Burglary Defense Attorney? 

Burglary charges are serious, and you should seek the help of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible following the charges against you. An attorney can help you build a solid defense strategy and may even reduce the charges against you or secure an acquittal.

A plea bargain may be another way to minimize fines and penalties.

If you or a loved one are being accused of burglary in Colorado, contact us immediately.

Types of Burglary Charges in Colorado 

Third-degree Burglary 

The lowest form of this charge is third-degree burglary, which will carry the lowest fines and penalties.

Third-degree burglary is handed down if a person breaks into the following:

• Cash register
• Safe
• Vending machines
• Coin boxes
• Safety deposit box

The law extends to any locked containers or boxes. If, for example, you stole an item from a person’s locked gym locker, this would constitute a third-degree burglary charge.

Second-degree Burglary 

Second-degree burglary charges occur when a person enters a building unlawfully or remains in a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime.

A building, by definition, is a structure that protects against the elements; this means that it will include:

• Hotel rooms
• Garages
• Trailers
• Jail cells

Sheltering must be significant, so there must be sturdy walls and a roof.

First-degree Burglary 

First-degree burglary charges are the most serious and are often handed out if you used or threatened to use violence against a person when breaking in or while inside the residence or building.

Charges are only upgraded to first-degree when you or someone with you during the crime:

• Used a deadly weapon
• Committed assault
• Were menacing
• Made a threat to use a deadly weapon
• Carried explosives

Possession of Burglary Tools 

If you’re caught in possession of burglary tools, and you’re not in the middle of committing burglary, this can still constitute a crime. Intention to facilitate an offense using the tools in your possession is a class 5 felony, which carries a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison, two years mandatory probation, and fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.

In Colorado, a burglary tool can be any kind of tool that is commonly used to break into a business, home, or vehicle. Examples of these tools include:

• Crowbar
• Glass breaking tools
• Magnets (commonly used in shoplifting)
• Key-making kits used to replicate keys

Burglary Charges and Domestic Violence 

When domestic violence is added to a burglary charge, the seriousness of the crime increases significantly. If domestic violence occurs during the burglary, the charge would be moved up to a first-degree charge, which carries the highest fines and penalties possible.

What Are the Penalties for Burglary in Colorado?

The penalties for burglary depend on the degree of the crime.

Third-degree burglary

Third-degree charges are considered a class 5 felony, but they can be switched to a class 4 felony if the crime was being committed in order to steal a controlled substance.

Penalties are as follows:

• Class 5 Felony: 1-3 years imprisonment, 2 years’ probation and fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.

• Class 4 Felony: 2-6 years imprisonment, 3 years’ probation and fines of $2,000 to $500,000

Second-degree burglary

Second-degree charges are a class 4 felony to start, but the crime can be upgraded to a class 3 felony if the objective was to steal a controlled substance that was lawfully allowed in the building, or if the building was a dwelling.

Penalties are as follows:

• Class 4 Felony: 2-6 years imprisonment, 3 years’ probation, and fines ranging from $2,000 to $500,000.

• Class 3 Felony: 4-12 years imprisonment, 5 years’ probation, and fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000.

First-degree burglary First-degree charges fall into the class 3 felony classification with 4-12 years imprisonment, 5 years’ probation, and fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000.

However, the penalties are much harsher in two circumstances:

• If the burglary involved a controlled substance from a facility that lawfully housed the substance, you’ll face 8 to 24 years in prison, 5 years of parole, and fines of $5,000 to $1 million.

• If the burglary is a “crime of violence” where you used or threatened to cause bodily harm, injury, or death, you’ll face 16 to 48 years in prison.

Burglary in Colorado is a serious charge with harsh penalties and fines. Whether you engaged in or are being accused of burglary of a residential building, commercial building, or lockbox, it’s important to begin building a defense strategy that uses the law to your advantage.

Taking on charges of burglary on your own is not recommended. Prison time and the risk of a felony charge being on your permanent record can have a lifetime of consequences that make it harder to vote, get a job, and even find housing.