David H. Johnson, PC: Fort Collins Theft Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with the crime of theft, Fort Collins theft defense attorneys stand ready to assist you. A conviction of theft can have wide-ranging consequences on you and your future opportunities. It’s important to promptly seek out legal counsel.
As an experienced theft attorney in Fort Collins, David H. Johnson can help you through the process of combating these charges.
Accused of Theft? Call Upon A Qualified Theft Defense Attorney
Theft defense attorneys with experience in this area of the law are absolutely crucial in helping you get your life back on track. Before you do anything else, give us a call. It is best to avoid talking about the incident until you have legal representation on your side. Anything you say can be used against you, so don’t let law enforcement put words in your mouth.
Fort Collins theft defense attorneys will walk you through the process of coping with theft allegations, advise you on your next steps, and represent you throughout negotiations and trial.
Petty Theft and Misdemeanor Charges
Instances of minor theft, which involve item values less than $50, is a petty offense. This can result in a fine of up to $500 and six months in jail.
Thefts that range in value from $50 to $2,000 are considered misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanor thefts are separated into three categories:
- Class 3 misdemeanor: When the value of the property stolen is $50 up to $299
- Class 2 misdemeanor: When the value of the property stolen is $300 up to $749
- Class 1 misdemeanor: When the value of the property stolen is $750 up to $1999.
The possible consequences for a class 3 misdemeanor involve a fine of $50 up to $750 as well a potential six months in jail. The possible consequences for a class 2 misdemeanor involve a fine of $250 up to $1000 as well as a potential jail sentence of three months to 12 months. A class 1 misdemeanor carries a fine of $500 to $5,000 and a potential jail sentence of six months up to 18 months.
It may be possible to get your theft charges reduced or dropped altogether. Often rather than receiving punitive sanctions, treatment or theft classes are an option. In Fort Collins, theft defense attorneys are available to represent you. As a theft lawyer, David H. Johnson is ready to hear the details of your case and work with you to take the best course of action.
Felony Charges
If a theft is over $2,000, it is considered a felony. In Colorado, these come in the following classes:
- Class 6 felony: The value of the property is $2,000 up to $4,999
- Class 5 felony: The value of the property is $5,000 up to $19,999
- Class 4 felony: The value of the property is $20,000 up to $99,999
- Class 3 felony: The value of the property is $100,000 up to $999,999
- Class 2 felony: The value of the property is $1 million or more.
The penalties for a felony are potential prison time and substantial fines. For a class 6 felony, the least serious felony, the fines range up to $100,000, and you may face up to a year and a half in prison. For the most serious theft offenses classified as a class 2 felony, fines are possible up to 1 million dollars and you can face 8 to 24 years in prison.
With the sheer severity of these penalties, if you’re facing felony theft charges in Fort Collins, having a theft defense attorney will be invaluable in helping you through the legal process.
Why You Need a Fort Collins Theft Defense Attorney
Beyond the legal penalties for theft, there are other consequences that you may face due to a felony conviction. These include:
- Difficulty obtaining employment
- Restricted access to government benefits and public housing
- Inability to own a firearm
- Loss of student loan eligibility
- Disqualification to run for public office
- Ineligibility to work with children
Theft felonies not only result in short-term burdens for yourself and your family, but they can also restrict future opportunities as well. In order to minimize these penalties, you need a skilled theft attorney to represent you.
To contact an experienced theft defense lawyer, call us at 970-829-1221 and schedule your free consultation.