Felony Theft Lawyer in Greeley

Theft cases are centered around the cumulative value of the items taken. This value decides what class felony or misdemeanor is charged. Anytime the value is $2,000 or more, felony Theft will be charged. If the value is less than two thousand dollars, misdemeanor Theft charges are likely.

What is the Definition of Felony Theft?

Colorado law defines Theft – C.R.S.18-4-401 as:

A person commits theft when he or she knowingly obtains, retains, or exercises control over anything of value of another without authorization or by threat or deception; or receives, loans money by pawn or pledge on, or disposes of anything of value or belonging to another that he or she knows or believes to have been stolen, and:

  1. Intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value;
  2. Knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value in such manner as to deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
  3. Uses, conceals, or abandons the thing of value intending that such use, concealment, or abandonment will deprive the other person permanently of its use or benefit;
  4. Demands any consideration to which he or she is not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person; or
  5. Knowingly retains the thing of value more than seventy-two hours after the agreed-upon time of return in any lease or hire agreement. (i.e. rental car)

In Layman’s terms, Theft is charged when a person takes something of value from another person without their permission, and plan to never give it back again.

What is the Sentence for Felony Theft?

In Greeley, Johnstown and Erie, the felony level depends on the value of the item taken. The higher the value of the stolen object, the higher the penalty and the more severe the punishment.

Felony Theft Offenses:

Class 6 Felony Class 5 Felony Class 4 Felony Class 3 Felony Class 2 Felony

 
Item Price Range $2,000 to
$4,999		 $5,000 to
$19,999		 $20,000 to
$99,999		 $100,000 to
$999,999		 $1,000,000 or more
Maximum Penalty *$100,000 fine
*18 months prison		 *$100,000 fine
*3 years prison		 *$500,000 fine
*6 years prison		 *$750,000 fine
*12 years prison		 *$1,000,000 fine
*24 years prison

What is Restitution in Felony Theft Cases?

In Weld, Morgan and Logan County, restitution is paying back a victim for any losses (stolen items) or damages that resulted from a Theft. This amount is determined at a person’s sentencing and can include:

  • Stolen items total dollar value
  • Costs to restore or clean up a loss
  • Lost interest
  • Rewards
  • Lost use of money

What are Some Examples of Felony Theft?

Many of the felony Theft cases we see are employer theft. When an employee deals with company money and takes some for himself, either through pocketing cash, writing himself business checks, or giving himself a check or credit card refund, he commits employer theft. Judges tend to punish employer theft harshly because of the trust relationship an employer and employee has. Because this trust is broken, the courts see it as a more serious crime than stranger theft. In other cases, shoplifting expensive items or those which add up to a total of two thousand dollars or more can result in felony charges. With the devaluation of our dollar, prices on several small items can quickly add up to a felony.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

We have over 40 years of combined experience defending people in Greeley and Weld County charged with felony Theft. We care for you and your situation and will work tirelessly to find a real solution to protect you and your future.

CHARGED WITH FELONY THEFT IN GREELEY OR WELD COUNTY?

Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office.

Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. 

Together, we can protect your future.

Get Help Now!