Caught red-handed, the teen gave a fake name and promised to return.
When people get caught doing something wrong, they tend to panic. This is definitely the case for a Longmont teen. He had allegedly broken into a house and was in the process of taking items, when the homeowner caught him. The teen wrote down his identifying information including name, address and phone number and promised he would return in the morning to speak to the police.
In a shocking turn of events, the information the teen provided was false and he never came back to turn himself in to the police the next morning. This, however, only momentarily deterred police, as the teen was found and admitted to breaking into the home along with several motor vehicles. He is now charged with multiple crimes, including Criminal Trespassing. With these facts, usually the district attorney will charge Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-202 – alone and not Trespass / Trespassing, however, in this case apparently they felt these other charges were appropriate.
Criminal Trespass / Trespassing Teen: Intent Makes a Difference in Greeley
There are three different degrees someone could be charged with in Greeley, Windsor, or Evans under the Criminal Trespass / Trespassing statute. The degree the Weld County District Attorney charges depends on the type of property and the intent behind the trespassing. In this case, Burglary and First Degree Trespass / Trespassing would probably be the charges. Under Colorado law, First Degree Criminal Trespass – C.R.S. 18-4-502 – is defined as:
The fact that the teen unlawfully entered another person’s home without permission, Trespass / Trespassing is charged. Because the teen was caught trying to take items from the house, the district attorney will say that his motive for breaking into the house was to steal, which would be charged as Burglary. The crime he allegedly committed in the home, Theft, could be charged as well.
If you have been contacted by the police in Weld, Morgan or Logan County regarding charges for trespass, don’t hesitate to call the O’Malley Law Office. When facing accusations of trespass in Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – PlumePloume