When we share a residence with someone, it’s natural to share food, appliances, and other items. Some roommates even borrow clothing from one another from time to time. However, at what point does borrowing an item or even money become a form of theft? If your roommate is accusing you of stealing something, you could face serious consequences—even if the entire incident stems from a misunderstanding or miscommunication. Like most states, Colorado takes theft offenses seriously and imposes strict penalties for those convicted of theft crimes. If you are facing theft charges in the Colorado Springs area, you need reliable and effective criminal defense attorney services as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights remain upheld and protected at every stage of the criminal justice process. With a highly qualified and caring criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can rely on this seasoned professional to answer your questions, address your concerns, and advocate tirelessly for your best interests along the way. Let’s take a look at how theft charges typically unfold in Colorado Springs and some of the steps you can take to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome that keeps your future as bright as possible.
Understanding Theft Charges in Colorado
Colorado’s theft laws tend to be nuanced and comprehensive to ensure that they address any potential scenario. It’s important to recognize that the term “theft” encompasses far more activities than taking property that belongs to someone else. For example, extortion, embezzlement, receiving stolen property, and even misrepresenting your eligibility for public assistance can be considered forms of theft under Colorado state law. Essentially, theft is defined as any action that intentionally deprives a person of their rightful property, and this can take many forms.
Potential Penalties for Colorado Theft Charges
The severity of the theft offense depends on the value of the stolen property. Colorado laws categorize theft offenses into three distinct crimes: Petty theft, misdemeanor theft, and grand or felony theft. Petty theft involves items or services valued at less than $300. If the incident involves property or services valued between $300 and $1,000, you will likely face a Class 2 misdemeanor theft charge. However, if the property or services are valued between $1,000 and $2,000, the charge will escalate to a Class 1 misdemeanor theft charge. Grand theft, or felony theft, encompasses items and services whose value exceeds $2,000. At the upper end of these categories, a Class 2 felony theft charge applies to incidents involving stolen property valued over one million dollars. The penalties for theft convictions range considerably, with petty theft punishable by up to ten days in jail and a fine of up to $300 and a Class 2 felony theft conviction punishable by up to 24 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Moreover, repeated felony charges can lead to enhanced penalties. Ultimately, the exact terms of a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the judge after they weigh several factors to decide the most appropriate consequences for the defendant’s actions. Enlisting the services of an experienced Colorado Springs theft defense lawyer is the best way to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair outcome.
Roommate Theft Laws in Colorado Springs
When a theft incident involves two individuals who do not know one another, prosecutors will attempt to show that the defendant knowingly and intentionally attempted to deprive the victim of their rightful property. However, when the theft offense occurs between two roommates, the case often becomes murkier and more challenging to parse. For example, your roommate may accuse you of stealing their credit card or valuable items of jewelry, when the reality is that you and your roommate have an existing understanding of sharing and borrowing each others’ property. Or, you may have unintentionally used their credit card when making an online purchase because you both share a computer that stores both of your individual credit card information. If you are facing an accusation of roommate theft, you will need to provide evidence that the incident was unintentional or an unfortunate misunderstanding. A common question that people often have is, “Does renters insurance cover roommate theft?” Although many insurance policies offer some form of theft coverage, roommate theft is not often included as part of the policy. No matter what the details of your case may be, your theft defense attorney will help you gather evidence and establish a compelling defense strategy that keeps your future as bright as possible.
Filing Charges for Theft in Colorado
When a roommate accuses you of theft, and you are certain that the incident comes down to a misunderstanding, your first step should be to communicate clearly and openly with the accuser to show them that you did not intend to steal property or money from them. However, if they continue to accuse you of theft, they may report the incident to local law enforcement. Although the arresting officer may claim to “be on your side” and invite you to make statements to “clear up any misunderstandings,” it’s essential to recognize that any statements you make may be used against you later on. Instead, it’s usually best to exercise your right to remain silent until you have the chance to speak to your criminal defense attorney. Together, you can identify the most strategic course of action that maximizes your odds of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome. In some cases, the alleged victim may pursue a civil lawsuit to recover the losses they believe they suffered because of your actions. No matter what the specific details of your case may be, you do not have to navigate this challenging situation alone. Now’s the time to enlist the guidance and support of an empathetic and highly qualified theft defense lawyer who will work hard to protect your best interests at every turn.
If you are facing theft charges in the greater Colorado Springs area, you need effective criminal defense attorney services as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights remain upheld and protected at every opportunity. Call The Black, Blink, & Associates LLC, P.C., today at 719-328-1616 to discuss your case with a highly qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney.