In Weld County, someone can be arrested for Third Degree Burglary when they break into a vault, product dispenser, or similar equipment with the intent to commit another crime, like theft. A Florida raccoon was recently rescued from its burglary attempt at local high school campus. The raccoon was trapped inside a vending machine after searching for his next meal. Animal Control arrived soon after the discovery, to open up the machine, and set the masked bandit free.
If this were in Colorado, and performed by a person, and not a trash panda, they could be charged with Third Degree Burglary.
Definition of Third Degree Burglary in Fort Morgan
In Fort Morgan, Crook, and Thornton, police officers abide by Colorado’s definition of Third Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-202 – which states:
Punishment and Sentence for Third Degree Burglary in Logan County
If you’re not a raccoon, the sentence for Third Degree Burglary in Logan County is based on a class 5 felony. However, it can be a class 4 felony if the additional crime is theft of a controlled substance. A class 5 felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison or a fine between $1,000 and $100,000. In some cases, you could be convicted for both. Additionally, a class 4 felony is punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison or a fine between $2,000 and $500,000. Similarly, if convicted, you could also face both prison time and a fine.
What Does Third Degree Burglary Actually Look Like in Morgan County?
Since Third Degree Burglary is the lowest degree of a Burglary charge in Morgan County, it involves a smaller level of crime than a First Degree Burglary charge. Third Degree Burglary involves breaking into a locked container, with the intent of “theft.” Since “locked container” has broad meaning, someone could be charged for this crime for simply trying to retrieve their own items. Let’s say your boss locks up everyone’s cell phones to decrease distractions at work. If you’re caught trying to open that drawer, you can be charged with Third Degree Burglary if police become involved. Even though you wouldn’t be trying to “steal” anything, you can still be charged with a felony for burglary.