Being accused of theft strikes fear in most people. Even a minor shoplifting charge can land you in jail for a year in Colorado. For more serious theft crimes like burglary or robbery, you may face years in prison.
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.
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 specifics of your theft charges dictate the potential penalties if convicted. In most cases, prosecutors will likely seek maximum sentences and penalties allowed by law.
When facing theft charges, it’s crucial to understand the exact statutes and potential penalties involved.
This table provides an at-a-glance overview of common theft crimes charged under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-4-401, their classifications, and sentences per Colorado law:
| Offense | Classification | Sentence |
| Petty Theft (less than $300) | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in jail and/or $300 fine |
| Theft (value $300-$999) | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750 |
| Theft (value $1000-$1,999) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 |
| Theft (value $2,000-$4,999) | Class 6 Felony | Up to 12 or 18 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 |
| Theft (value $5,000-$19,999) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $100,000 |
| Theft (value $20,000 – $99,999) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 6 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500,000 |
| Theft (value $100,000 – $999,999) | Class 3 Felony | 4 to 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $750,000 |
| Theft (value $1,000,000 +) | Class 2 Felony | 8 to 24 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1 million |
As you can see, a theft conviction can lead to substantial fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record.
However, an experienced Castle Rock theft defense attorney has the skills to thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence, identify any procedural mistakes or violations of your rights, and build an aggressive defense to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
While the table shows baseline sentences, certain aggravating factors often lead prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties allowed under Colorado law. These include:
If you have prior convictions for theft, burglary, robbery, or related crimes, this establishes a pattern of repeat offenses. Prosecutors will argue you are a career criminal beyond rehabilitation who warrants an extended prison sentence to protect the public.
Thefts involving larger amounts of money or very valuable property tend to result in harsher sentences and higher restitution. While pickpocketing a wallet might lead to a few days in jail, stealing $50,000 could mean up to six years of prison time.
Theft crimes like robbery involving the use or threat of weapons and violence are considered dangerous felonies. Even if no shots are fired, and no injuries occur, the presence of a deadly weapon ratchets up prison time significantly.
The effects of a theft conviction go far beyond potential jail time. This criminal record will follow you for life and be visible to employers, landlords, lenders, and others. It can derail your finances, career, and reputation for years to come.
Some of the severe consequences you could face include:
Sadly, we’ve seen thriving lives complicated by one poor choice made in desperate circumstances. This is why mounting an aggressive defense is so critical.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance. Contact our team to start building your defense strategy today. We know what’s at stake and will passionately protect your rights, freedom, and future. You deserve a second chance – let us help you get your life back on track.
Theft allegations can lead to years in prison if convicted. But at our firm, we have the skills and determination to build an aggressive defense tailored to your specific situation.
Unlike overburdened public defenders, we take on a limited number of theft cases. This allows us to devote ample time and resources to meticulously investigate the facts and identify any police or prosecutor errors.
Our team has decades of combined experience representing Castle Rock clients facing charges ranging from shoplifting to large-scale embezzlement. We know the local courts and key players inside and out.
When building your defense, we explore every angle. We’ve successfully defended many Castle Rock residents facing theft charges over the years, leading to reduced or dismissed charges.
Contact our dedicated Castle Rock theft defense team for tireless legal advocacy. We have the skills and determination to aggressively protect your rights.
If you or someone you love is facing theft charges in Castle Rock, the time to act is now. At Right Law Group, our team of former prosecutors and seasoned criminal defense attorneys have the experience and relentless determination to tackle your case head-on. We’ve helped resolve thousands of criminal charges throughout the state of Colorado, earning over 500 positive reviews from relieved clients.
Our decades of combined legal experience and zealous advocacy can mean the difference between prison and dismissed charges for you. With offices in 3 convenient locations, we are ready to fight for your future 24/7.
Don’t leave your fate to chance – contact Right Law Group today for dedicated legal guidance and compassionate counsel. Our law firm believes every client deserves a second chance – let us help you get your life back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can still be charged with petty theft even if you didn’t leave the store with the item. Removing tags, concealing merchandise, or bypassing the point of payment can result in arrest.
Yes. If you use someone else’s credit card without permission for any purpose, you can be charged with credit card fraud.
