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CRS 18-4-506

Colorado Second Degree Criminal Tampering

Colorado Statute CRS 18-4-506—second-degree criminal tampering—is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750. It is defined as tampering with property with intent to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance to another person or knowingly creating an unauthorized connection with utility property.

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Home > CRS 18-4-506 — Colorado Second Degree Criminal Tampering

Penalties for Second Degree Criminal Tampering in Colorado

Charge Classification Penalty
First-Degree Criminal Tampering Class 1 Misdemeanor
  • Up to 364 days in jail and/or
  • A fine of up to $1,000
Second-Degree Criminal Tampering Class 2 Misdemeanor
  • Up to 120 days in jail and/or
  • A fine of up to $750
(Colo. Rev. Stat. § § 18-4-505, 18-4-506)

Possible Defenses for Second-Degree Criminal Tampering in Colorado

Second-degree criminal tampering charges are less severe than first-degree criminal tampering. Still, a conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

Misdemeanor or not, pleading guilty to a criminal charge without consulting a criminal defense attorney is never in your best interest. You may have other options available. Before a conviction can occur, the prosecutor must prove your charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The elements required to make a conviction for second-degree criminal tampering in Colorado are as follows:

  • You were tampering with another person’s property
  • You intended to cause injury, annoyance, or inconvenience to another person
  • You knowingly made an unauthorized connection with the property of a utility (electric, water, natural gas, etc.)

Depending on the circumstances of your case, a Colorado criminal defense attorney may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed by using the following defense strategies.

  1. You were not tampering with another person’s property
  2. You were unaware that you were making an unauthorized connection with the property of a utility
  3. You did not intend to cause harm, annoyance, or inconvenience to another person
  4. The prosecution cannot prove the elements of conviction beyond a reasonable doubt

The options available in your case will be unique to your situation. By consulting a Colorado criminal defense attorney, you will get an honest assessment of the charges against you and a plan to move forward.

Colorado Revised Statutes, CRS 18-4-506:

Except as provided in sections 18-4-506.3 and 18-4-506.5, a person commits the crime of second degree criminal tampering if he tampers with property of another with intent to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance to that person or to another or if he knowingly makes an unauthorized connection with property of a utility. Second degree criminal tampering is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Have you been charged with or arrested for second-degree criminal tampering in Colorado Springs or El Paso County?

Whether an unauthorized cable line or tampering with a neighbor’s property – whatever has you facing a second-degree criminal tampering charge, you’re in a tough spot. At Right Law Group, we are committed to helping you set things right by educating you on the charges against you and possible defenses to reduce or eliminate the consequences. We’ve helped over 2,500 Colorado Springs residents protect themselves against criminal charges – contact our team today to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of second-degree criminal tampering in Colorado?

When someone tampers with someone else’s property or creates an unauthorized connection to a utility, it constitutes second-degree criminal tampering in Colorado. Examples can include cutting a neighbor’s phone lines or establishing an unauthorized cable line.

Will I go to jail for a second-degree criminal tampering charge in Colorado?

A second-degree criminal tampering charge can result in a jail sentence of up to 120 days. So, yes, if convicted, you could go to jail. A Colorado criminal defense attorney can attempt to help you avoid jail time and other consequences by defending you against the charges.

How long will a second-degree criminal tampering charge stay on your record in Colorado?

A second-degree criminal tampering charge is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which means it must remain on your criminal record for two years following your sentence before you can petition the court for expungement.

What is the difference between second-degree and first-degree criminal tampering charges in Colorado?

A first-degree criminal tampering charge is:

  • Tampering with the property of a utility with the intention of causing interruption or impairment of service rendered to the public by a utility or institution providing health or safety protection. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

A second-degree criminal tampering charge is:

  • Tampering with another person’s property with the intent of causing injury, inconvenience, or annoyance to the person; or knowingly making an unauthorized connection with utility property. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

 

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