Experienced Denver Theft Defense Lawyer

Although theft charges might be the result of miscommunication or misunderstanding, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. A conviction on theft charges can affect where you work, where you live, and how you live. 

It takes an in-depth understanding of the law to avoid conviction, even if it seems obvious to you that you committed no crime. Even a seemingly favorable plea deal can have unanticipated ramifications. Luckily, Denver attorney M. Colin Bresee is one of the area’s top experts when it comes to deciphering theft law, and will work with you to get the best possible outcome from your charges.

Get Aggressive Legal Counsel

If you are charged with theft, you might be eager to resolve the charge as quickly as possible and want to do whatever it takes to put it behind you. Prosecutors count on this and offer what look like very appealing plea deals that promise to resolve the charges quickly. They might include appealing characteristics like no jail time or no fines if you return stolen property. 

However, the truth is that if you are convicted of theft–even under a plea deal that involves no jail time–it might affect your:

• Employability
• Ability to find housing
• Financial standing
• Personal freedom

Many employers won’t hire people with criminal records. A theft conviction makes it particularly hard to get a position of trust at any company. 

Landlords are also reluctant to rent to people with criminal histories. Landlords are often concerned about security and don’t want to let a “thief” into their property. 

A theft conviction won’t affect your credit or your ability to get a loan or mortgage, but if you are having difficulty getting a job and have to settle for a more expensive rental property, it can be hard to save and meet a lender’s terms.

People who’ve been convicted of theft may have restrictions on their movements. You may not be able to go to certain places, such as stores, alone.

M. Colin Bresee is one of the few Colorado-based lawyers experienced in criminal defense as well as prosecution. Having a criminal defense lawyer who understands how a prosecutor will see your case is a rare—and advantageous—benefit not often found among theft cases. Make a smart decision. Choose a law firm that can defend you, no matter the perspective or scope of the alleged crime.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Don’t risk your future by trying to handle your theft charges by yourself. Don’t trust an inexperienced lawyer, either. Experience is a hard teacher, and you don’t want a lawyer’s instructive mistakes to be on your case. 

Instead, schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer who is prepared to handle your case right from the start. M. Colin Bresee has experience working in district attorney’s offices as well as defending people from theft charges. He literally knows the criminal justice system inside and out. 

Colorado Theft Charges Explained

In Colorado, theft, sometimes called “larceny,” is defined as knowingly obtaining, retaining, or exercising control over anything of value with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of its use or benefit. It doesn’t matter if you take the object by threat of force, intimidation, or deception–it’s all theft. Theft is also demanding any compensation as a condition of returning the thing of value to its owner, as well as retaining leased property beyond 72 hours after the end of the agreed period. 

Types of Theft

Theft can take many forms. In general, robbery is taking an item directly from a person, while burglary is entering a structure to commit a crime, including theft. In Colorado, theft and fraud are technically different crimes, but they are often handled together. 

Some common types of theft cases that we handle include:

• Shoplifting: taking property from a store while on the property as a customer
• Theft of rental property: not returning rental property at the end of the contract term
• Identity theft: impersonating another person for gain, either in person or online
• Credit card theft: having or using someone else’s credit card or debit card
• Motor vehicle theft: Stealing vehicles propelled by anything other than muscle force. Charges can be more serious if you attempted to conceal the theft or injured the owner while taking the vehicle 
• Receipt of stolen property: if you buy, accept, or dispose of property that you could reasonably suspect is stolen
• Employee theft: when an employee takes money or property belonging to their employer. This is called embezzlement when the employee takes or disburses funds they are trusted to handle

There are many other types of theft, each with their own particular rules and definitions. 

Theft Crimes & Penalties 

In Colorado, the penalties for theft are normally related to the value of the stolen object or objects. Below are the possible jail times associated with theft crimes. In addition to or instead of jail times, fines are possible. 

• Less than $300: a Class petty offense could result in up to 6 months imprisonment
• $300 to <$1000: Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 12 months imprisonment
• $1000 to <$2000: Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 18 months imprisonment
• $2000 to <$5000: Class 6 felony: up to 18 months imprisonment
• $5000 to <$20,000: Class 5 felony: up to 3 years imprisonment
• $20,000 to <$100,000: Class 4 felony: up to 6 years imprisonment
• $100,000 to <$1,000,000: Class 3 felony: up to 12 years imprisonment
• $1,000,000 or more: Class 2 felony: up to 24 years imprisonment

If you commit multiple theft crimes within a period of six months, against the same person, or as part of the same scheme or course of conduct, all your theft crimes can be lumped together as a single criminal charge with the penalty based on the aggregate amount stolen. You might also face steeper penalties if your alleged theft included violence. 

Leading Criminal Defense Attorney Across Colorado

With a jurisdiction spanning over 100,000 square miles, Mr. Bresee represents clients all over the state of Colorado. Fighting for what’s right is not limited to any particular county, as justice is a universal concept. We know that you’re not looking forward to facing theft charges, but with his extensive amount of experience and dedication to your needs, Mr. Bresee will champion your best interests. In addition to working to obtain the best possible outcome from your charges, he and his team will help make the experience as painless as possible for you and your family. This includes honest assessments of your case, sensible legal advice, and straight answers to all your questions. 

Our legal services extend to the following areas:

• Arapahoe County (including Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and Littleton)
• Adams County (including Thornton and Westminster)
• Denver County
• Douglas County (including Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker)
• El Paso County (including Colorado Springs and Security-Widefield)
• Gilpin County (including Central City and Black Hawk)
• Jefferson County (including Arvada and Lakewood)
• Weld County (including Greeley and Longmont)

Contact Our Law Office Today 

Law enforcement doesn’t rest, and neither do we. No matter the time of day, if you find yourself charged with theft, it’s the right time to give us a call. We’ll provide any Colorado resident with a free consultation because we know that your case can’t wait. Call us and get the help you deserve.