Colorado Theft and Property Crime
The Colorado statutes explain theft as an act of knowingly taking or concealing something of value from someone else with the intention of permanently keeping them from having it or from benefiting from it. Theft can cover a lot of territory, from taking inexpensive merchandise from a store shelf to stealing large sums of money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, theft occurs more frequently than any other property crime. Obviously, the potential penalties associated with theft and property crime can vary greatly, too, depending on what has been stolen or what sort of act committed.
Colorado theft and property crime attorneys at Ellmann & Ellmann know that charges involving theft or property crimes demand a comprehensive understanding of the law. They also recognize how important it is to fully analyze the circumstances under which an individual is arrested for such charges. At Ellmann & Ellmann, our criminal defense lawyers have wide-ranging experience in handling cases involving all types of theft and property crimes charges. We know how to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Aside from theft, other property crimes might include burglary, car theft, larceny, purse snatching and more. And when it comes to theft, the computer age has ushered in the era of cybercrime and identity theft – which includes the unauthorized use of someone else’s credit cards, bank accounts and personal information.
In Colorado, rates of theft and property crime have been declining since 2005. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported 188,449 property crimes in the state that year, with a much lower total of 141,107 for its most recently documented year (2008). Similarly, larceny/theft figures for Colorado in 2005 totaled 112,843 reported offenses compared with 99,468 in 2008. Latest data shows Colorado’s property crime rate at 2,856 per 100,000 residents. The rate of larceny/theft is 2,014 per 100,000 people.
If you’ve been convicted of theft or property crime in Colorado, the potential penalties can vary significantly, depending on the specific crime that occurred and the circumstances within which the crime happened. For instance, theft of property valued at less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor offense. In contrast, stealing property worth more than $1,000 is a felony. The difference can be as marked as a fine or a few months in county jail versus years in a state penitentiary.
Call on the Colorado theft and property crimes defense attorneys at Ellmann & Ellmann for expert assistance if you’ve been charged with a theft offense. When your freedom could be at stake, you need a criminal defense lawyer who will be available when needed, but you also need a knowledgeable attorney with proven experience in handling a wide variety of theft and property crimes cases. The law firm of Ellmann & Ellmann offers you that kind of professional capability. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with one of our Castle Rock Colorado Lawyers, please contact us.
About Property Crimes and Theft
In the U.S., more than 16 million households encounter some kind of property crime per year. That means that about 135 of every 1,000 households experience a property crime.
Government statistics confirm that theft is the most prevalent of property crimes. On a yearly basis, more than 12 million property thefts happen in the U.S., making almost 102 of every 1,000 households likely victims.
Source: U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics
