What Are the Penalties for Felony Theft in Colorado?
If you were recently arrested for felony theft or recently charged, or if a loved one is in this situation, you are likely concerned about the possible consequences of a conviction. In short, any felony theft conviction can have significant consequences, both in terms of an initial sentence and in the repercussions that can follow. Our Denver and Brighton felony criminal defense lawyers can provide you with more information about the potential penalties for felony theft in Colorado, and we can begin working with you on a defense strategy to help you avoid a conviction that could upend your life.
Sentencing for Felony Theft Under Colorado Law
Theft in Colorado, including felony theft, is charged under CRS 18-4-401. In most circumstances, felony theft charges (as opposed to misdemeanor theft charges) occur because of the higher value of the allegedly stolen property. The potential penalties upon conviction are then tied to the level of felony charge as follows:
- Class 6 felony, for property valued between $2,000 and $4,999: Up to 1.5 years in prison and fines of anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000;
- Class 5 felony, for property valued between $5,000 and $19,999: From 1 to 3 years in prison and fines of anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000;
- Class 4 felony, for property valued between $20,000 and $99,999: From 2 to 6 years in prison and fines of anywhere from $2,000 to $500,000;
- Class 3 felony, for property valued between $100,000 and $999,999: From 4 to 12 years in prison and fines of anywhere from $3,000 to $750,000; and
- Class 2 felony, for property valued at $1 million or more: From 8 to 24 years in prison and fines of anywhere from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
In addition to any criminal sentence received, a person can also face consequences for having a felony criminal record, such as disqualification for certain types of jobs or loans.
Avoiding Serious Penalties for Felony Theft
The best way to avoid some of the very serious prison sentences associated with high-value theft in Colorado is to beat the charges you are facing. Your defense lawyer can discuss potential strategies with you for having the charges dropped, or being acquitted at trial.
In cases where the prosecution has a very strong case, it may be possible to have your defense attorney negotiate a plea deal. Pleas often involve a reduction in the level of felony in agreement for a guilty plea, which could result in a lesser sentence. For a lower level felony, it may be possible to negotiate a plea to a misdemeanor, which could mean no jail time at all.
Contact Our Denver Felony Theft Defense Attorneys for Assistance with Your Case
If you are facing felony theft charges in Colorado, it is critical to understand the possible consequences of a conviction and to seek legal help with your defense as soon as possible. An experienced Denver felony theft defense lawyer at DeChant Law can discuss the details of your case with you today and can begin working with you on a defense strategy that is specifically tailored to the facts surrounding your arrest and the charges you are facing. We work with clients facing charges in Denver and Brighton, and we are here to begin working with you on your defense. Contact us to get started.
Sources:
law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-18/article-4/part-4/section-18-4-401/
cdhs.colorado.gov/sites/cdhs/files/2021-05/felony_sentencing_guidelines.pdf
