Shoplifting Defense

​What You Should Know About Shoplifting in Colorado

Shoplifting is a crime that involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it.

In Colorado, shoplifting is punishable as a crime of theft under state law. This is a crime that can have severe repercussions including fines, a criminal record, and jail time. If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting, it is paramount that you take the charges seriously and seek experienced legal representation.

The state of Colorado defines theft, including shoplifting, in the Colorado Revised Statutes Article 4.

Shoplifting Happens When:

A party knowingly takes anything of value without the owner’s consent, with the intent to deprive the owner of the item permanently. This includes taking items from a store without paying for them. It also occurs if the party receives, loans, pledges on, or disposes of any item of value to another knowing that it was stolen.

Theft is an umbrella term that describes various actions including shoplifting. The statutory intent law in Colorado makes it clear that shoplifting is a form of theft:

“In the state of Colorado, any law that references or mentions stealing, larceny, embezzlement (with the exception of embezzlement of public funds), confidence games, false pretenses or shoplifting should be understood as if the word ‘theft’ were used instead.”

Other Forms Of Shoplifting

Unfortunately, the law is written in a manner that certain actions that might be considered innocent by some shoppers can still be deemed as shoplifting. For instance, altering price tags or damaging merchandise can be considered forms of shoplifting.

Although shoplifting may seem like a minor offense, it is still a theft charge that can have significant consequences. A theft conviction can carry jail time and costly fines, and it can hinder your chances of finding employment in the future.

What is the Punishment for Shoplifting?

In the state of Colorado, there are several levels of charges in relation to theft:

Class 2 Misdemeanor: This charge is applied when the value of the stolen goods is less than $500. Those facing this charge may be required to pay fines of up to $1,000 and could be sentenced to 3 months to a year in jail.

Class 1 Misdemeanor: This charge is applied when the value of the stolen items is between $500 and $1,000. Those facing this charge could be sentenced to 6 to 18 months in jail and incur fines between $500 and $5,000.

Class 1 Misdemeanor (2): This is a form of charge given to parties that are believed to have tampered with theft detection devices or who possess tools that could be used to tamper with such devices. The punishments for this charge are the same as those for the Class 1 Misdemeanor: 6 to 18 months in jail and fines ranging from $500 and $5,000.

Class 4 Felony: This type of charge is applied when the value of the stolen items is between $1,000 and $20,000. Those facing this charge may be required to pay fines ranging from $2,000 to $500,000 and could be sentenced to 2 to 6 years in jail.

Class 3 Felony: This form of charge is applied when the value of the stolen items is over $20,000. Those facing this charge may be required to pay fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000 and could be sentenced to 4 to 12 years in jail.

In addition to the above penalties, Colorado law also requires emancipated minors and adults to pay restitution to the shop owners for actual damages, as well as a penalty of $100 to $250.

Contact An Experienced Colorado Springs Shoplifting Lawyer Now!

If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to hire a shoplifting lawyer who understands this field of law. Contact experienced Colorado Springs shoplifting attorneys Jeremy Loew or Matt Roche to learn how they can help you protect your rights!