Felony Theft

A dismissal is one of the outcomes that experienced representation can put on the table, though it is not the only one. The firm's felony defense guide puts it plainly: "hiring an experienced felony attorney as soon as possible can be the difference between a conviction and a reduction or dismissal of charges." The guide frames getting an experienced attorney involved early as what can move a case toward a reduction or dismissal rather than a conviction. The full overview is on our blog.

Right Law Group's guide explains: "If you take someone’s property without their permission, you’re subject to criminal prosecution . When assessing the differences between burglary vs theft, you’ll see that Colorado’s statutes consider intent and execution."

Felony Theft cases in Littleton are handled by the Arapahoe County Combined Court, which sits in the 18th Judicial District. As a combined court, it hears both county-court and district-court matters.

Finding the right firm before you commit is a reasonable place to start, and it matters as much as anything else in the process. Alexis explains: "it's important to find the right fit for you meaning finding the right law firm that fits" and "some law firm that you can trust". She frames this as one of the most important things to sort out before you have an attorney, so taking the time to confirm fit and trust up front is exactly the right instinct. Her point is that the relationship has to connect with you and be one you can trust before the rest of the process moves forward.

Hiring experienced counsel is exactly what gives you the best footing on a felony case. The firm's felony defense guide states: "We are a specialized team of attorneys focusing on criminal cases and are here to help you avoid a felony conviction." The same guide describes a team that focuses on criminal cases and works toward the best possible outcome for your case. The full overview is on our blog.

It helps to understand what an advisement date is actually for, because that explains how much weight to give what is said there. Alexis explains that "an advisement date is simply a date where the judge or the magistrate will tell you okay these are the charges that you have against you". She describes it as the point where you are told what you are charged with and the general elements, and where "they have to say generally what the charges are and tell you what your possible penalties are that you're facing". By her description the advisement is about informing you of the charges and possible penalties, not the moment a case is finally resolved.

Right Law Group's guide explains: "We've represented many good people facing theft allegations in Castle Rock. With the right legal strategy, these charges can often be reduced or even dismissed. But you have to take action quickly."

Right Law Group's guide explains: "With the right legal strategy, these charges can often be reduced or even dismissed. But you have to take action quickly. If you're facing criminal charges, our Castle Rock theft lawyers can help you build a solid defense, potentially avoiding the lifelong consequences of a conviction."

The long-term collateral consequences of a felony are real, and they reach into the areas you are worried about. Alexis explains: "collateral consequences when it comes to felonies can be wide ranging. Can be impact on employment, getting jobs" and "It can have an impact on trying to secure housing.". She notes a felony can affect getting jobs and government certifications, can prevent you from keeping a professional license and working in your chosen field, and can carry a stigma with family, friends, and the community. In her words these consequences can be wide ranging, which is why the impact reaches both employment and housing.

Right Law Group's guide explains: "If you or someone you know has been accused of shoplifting in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Denver, Highlands Ranch, or surrounding areas including Teller county and southern Colorado, understanding the potential consequences is essential."

Evidence like video and witness statements is part of the picture, but it is weighed alongside other factors rather than deciding an offer on its own. Alexis explains that during a strategy session "we'll discuss the evidence and any defenses you may have and all the other mitigating factors that need to be considered". She describes the firm reviewing the state's evidence first, then using it together with your defenses and mitigating factors to approach the prosecutor. As she puts it, the goal is that "we can engage in negotiations with the prosecutor from this position of knowledge and preparedness". So the evidence informs the negotiation, but it is the analysis of the full situation, not any single factor, that drives where the case goes.

One realistic path that often comes up for someone without a record is a resolution that keeps a conviction off your record if you complete what is required. Alexis explains how a deferred sentence works: "if you take a plea and you do probation you can get the case dismissed at the end". She acknowledges people often push back, asking why they should do probation if the case is not going to enter as a conviction. Her answer is to look at it as putting in the time to make sure you get this off your record, which she says is perfectly fine. That is the trade behind a deferred sentence: you complete probation, and the case is dismissed at the end rather than standing as a conviction.

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Getting accused of stealing brings stress no one needs. Walmart asset protection doesn’t play around if they suspect you walked out without paying."

Adams County falls within the 17th Judicial District, and Felony Theft cases there are heard in the Adams County Justice Center.

Felony Theft cases connected to Adams County are heard in the Adams County Justice Center, part of the 17th Judicial District.

In Denver County, Felony Theft charges are handled through the Denver County Court & District Court, part of the 2nd Judicial District. Misdemeanor-level matters are heard on the county-court side and felony-level matters on the district-court side of the same courthouse.

Felony Theft charges in Adams County are prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, the elected District Attorney for the 17th Judicial District.