Dedicated Denver Theft Defense Attorneys Is Just a Phone Call Away

Denver Theft Defense Lawyer

Colorado defines theft as knowingly obtaining or exercising control over anything of value belonging to another without authorization. This is a serious offense that involves life-altering consequences if you face your charges without our experienced Denver theft attorney representing you. Your likelihood of getting a job, finding housing and enjoying a positive reputation could be jeopardized if you’re convicted of committing theft, and we understand how concerning that possibility can be.

You don’t have to sit back and accept your theft charges. Let us fight them for you. Call our theft lawyers today or contact us online to get started.

Types of Theft

Also known as larceny, theft can involve the unlawful taking or using of property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of possession. Theft may involve:

  • Theft of rental property
  • Theft of trade secrets
  • Aggravated motor vehicle theft
  • Theft of medical records
  • Trespass, tampering and criminal mischief
  • Theft of sound recordings
  • Identity Theft

Common Defenses Against Theft Charges 

The number of possible defenses against a theft charge is limited only by the number of possible fact patterns underlying the case. The likelihood of success of a defense strategy is equal to facts and the skill of your Denver theft lawyer. 

Some of the most common theft defenses are listed below:

  • You genuinely believed the property belonged to you. Your belief does not have to be reasonable, only sincere.
  • You were the owner of the property.
  •  You were too intoxicated to form the intent to steal anything. This explanation amounts to an “I didn’t know what I was doing” defense.
  • You had permission to borrow or use the item. For example, this defense might apply to a car or a credit card.
  • The complaining party gave you the property as a gift.
  • The police induced you to steal something so they could arrest you for it (i.e., “entrapment”). 
  • The police illegally seized the evidence against you. This defense could exclude the seized evidence but not necessarily win you an acquittal, depending on how much evidence remains after the illegally seized evidence is excluded.
  • The item is worth less than the prosecution says it is. This is only a partial defense since the more expensive the property is, the more serious the penalties are likely to be.

In most cases, it is up to you to provide evidence to support your defense. You might show, for example, that you were too intoxicated to have formed any criminal intent by calling witnesses or the bartender that served you. A Denver theft lawyer can help you gather admissible evidence to help establish your defense.

Theft Punishments in Colorado

Theft is classified by the value of the allegedly stolen object. You could serve years in prison and pay substantial fines if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or felony:

  • Class 1 petty theft: When the value of the item(s) involved is less than $50. Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to $500 in fines.
  • Class 3 misdemeanor: When the value of the item(s) involved is $50 to $300. Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to $750 in fines.
  • Class 2 misdemeanor: When the value of the item(s) involved is $300 to $750. Punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
  • Class 1 misdemeanor: When the value of the item(s) involved is $750 to $2,000. Punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
  • Class 6 felony: When the value of the item(s) involved is $2,000 to $5,000. Punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
  • Class 5 felony: When the value of the item(s) involved is $5,000 to $20,000 and was taken from another person by means other than the use of force, threat, or intimidation. Punishable by up to 3 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
  • Class 4 felony: When the value of the item(s) involved is $20,000 to $100,000. Punishable by up to 6 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
  • Class 3 felony: When the value of the item(s) involved is $100,000 to $1 million. Punishable by up to 12 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.
  • Class 2 felony: When the value of the item(s) involved is $1 million or more. Punishable by up to 24 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Employment Consequences of a Theft Conviction?

 You can be fairly sure that a prospective employer will check your criminal history, and you may have trouble getting a job with a theft conviction on your record. An employer is especially unlikely to hire you for a job that requires them to trust you with money or property. Colorado law provides limited protection against employment discrimination. A Denver theft defense attorney can help you fight an employment discrimination based on a theft conviction.

Will Colorado Seal my Criminal Record So the Public Cannot View It?

Colorado is highly unlikely to seal a criminal conviction for theft. It might seal your criminal record, however, if the authorities:

  • Arrested you but failed to charge you within the statute of limitations;
  • Arrested you but failed to charge you and subsequently dropped the investigation; or
  • Failed to charge you because you completed a diversion program.

You are better off avoiding a conviction in the first place than asking a court to seal your record later. If your criminal record is limited to an arrest or a charge, a Denver theft crime attorney can help you petition a court to seal your record.

Are There Immigration Consequences to a Theft Conviction?

Negative immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings, are likely. For example, federal authorities can deport you for committing a “crime of moral turpitude” within five years of admission to the US (10 years for certain permanent residents). Theft is a “crime of moral turpitude.” A Denver theft crime defense lawyer can help you avoid a theft conviction and protect your immigration status.

They Are The Best!!!

I would highly recommend Gerash and Steiner to anyone whose life has become entangled in the criminal justice system. They are the best!!!

Former Client

Contact Our Respected Theft Attorneys for Help!

Our award-winning criminal defense lawyers at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. are committed to restoring your life back to normal. Theft crime accusations can permanently damage your well-being and livelihood, which is why it is in your best interest to hire our Denver theft lawyer before taking another step forward. We have a highly regarded reputation for preparing and pursuing powerful defense strategies that could serve your case well.

Facing charges for theft? Contact us online to request your case evaluation or call now!