Shoplifting charges in Colorado Springs are never a minor issue. Depending on the property’s value and other considerations, you can face significant legal consequences if convicted on shoplifting charges. You need to seek experienced legal representation for shoplifting charges to help avoid going to jail or having a criminal record that hinders your future.
The Peakstone Law Group has a long track record of successfully defending individuals facing serious charges like shoplifting. Our shoplifting defense lawyers in Colorado Springs are ready to pursue a defense strategy designed to seek the best possible outcome in your case. Let an experienced criminal defense attorney from our law firm vigorously defend your rights in all court proceedings related to the theft charges you face.
To learn how our experienced Colorado Springs shoplifting attorney can help, contact the Peakstone Law Group for a free consultation. The case review is confidential and comes without further obligations.
What Can a Colorado Springs Shoplifting Lawyer Do for Me?
A shoplifting conviction can significantly affect your personal and professional life. Our skilled Colorado Springs shoplifting attorneys offer critical support, including:
- Free initial consultations — Assessing the details of your case, reviewing the evidence and circumstances, and helping you understand the charges against you and your options for fighting them
- Strong theft defense — Developing a defense strategy that takes into account your criminal record and personal situation
- Robust legal representation — Acting on your behalf in all court appearances, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and the trial if your case goes before a judge or jury
- Skillful negotiation — Negotiating for reduced charges or penalties with the prosecution
Compassionate support — Offering support and guidance throughout the legal process
Colorado Shoplifting Laws
Colorado considers shoplifting as theft. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-4-401, it is unlawful to knowingly obtain, retain, or exercise control over anything of value that belongs to someone else without authorization.
Shoplifting, like other theft crimes, can result in misdemeanor theft or felony theft charges, depending on the value of the stolen property:
- $0 – $300: Petty Theft Offense
- $300 – $1,000: Class 2 Misdemeanor Theft
- $1,000 – $2,000: Class 1 Misdemeanor Theft
- $2,000 – $5,000: Class 6 Felony Theft
- $5,000 – $20,000: Class 5 Felony Theft
- $20,000 – $100,000: Class 4 Felony Theft
- $100,000 — $1 million: Class 3 Felony Theft
- Over $1 million: Class 2 Felony Theft
Shoplifting Charges in Colorado Springs
Shoplifting can take different forms, but all are considered theft under Colorado law. Here are some examples of different types of shoplifting in Colorado Springs:
- Concealing merchandise — Hiding items in clothing or a bag inside a retail store
- Removing anti-theft devices — Removing anti-theft devices to take merchandise without setting off alarms
- Switching price tags — Swapping or altering price tags to pay less for an item
- Presenting a fake receipt — Using a counterfeit or old receipt to return stolen goods for cash or store credit
- Returning items as “gifts” — Returning stolen items as gifts that do not have receipts in exchange for store credit
- Undercharging merchandise — Working with an employee as an accomplice, purposefully charging less and splitting the savings
What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Colorado?
The penalties for shoplifting in Colorado depend on several factors, including the severity of the charge as a misdemeanor theft or felony theft and any prior criminal history. Generally, the serious consequences for shoplifting-related theft charges in Colorado include:
- Incarceration — More serious theft charges can lead to jail or even prison time, particularly for felony theft charges.
- Fines —The amount of the penalties varies widely and is typically based on the value of the stolen items and your previous criminal record.
- Restitution — The court may order offenders to pay back the value of the stolen items to the store.
- Criminal record — Felony charges result in a criminal record seen by prospective employers, landlords, and educational institutions, potentially impacting your future opportunities.
- Community service — Often included as part of a plea deal, offenders can serve their community through active rehabilitation.
- Probation — First-time offenders might receive probation as an alternative to jail time, either alone or with community service requirements.
- Loss of civil rights — Ex-felons lose their right to vote, possess firearms, serve on juries, or access certain educational benefits.
Exploring Legal Options for Shoplifting Defense in Colorado Springs
The right criminal defense strategies can make a significant difference when you’re facing Colorado Springs theft charges. The approach depends on the specific details of your case. Our knowledgeable shoplifting defense lawyer in Colorado Springs can help identify the most effective legal defense to seek the most favorable outcome if you are facing theft charges.
Such defenses might include:
- Lack of intent — This defense involves proving that there was no intention to steal. For example, you might have forgotten to pay for an item accidentally placed inside your shopping basket.
- Mistaken identity — Sometimes, you might face charges because you look similar to the actual perpetrator. Security videos or eyewitnesses can sometimes wrongly identify a person. Providing an alibi for your whereabouts casts more doubt on the validity of the identification.
- Duress—If someone coerced you into shoplifting, claiming duress could be a viable legal defense. That would involve proving that you shoplifted only because of a credible threat of immediate harm.
- Ownership claims — This could serve as a defense if you genuinely believed the item was yours or you had permission to take it – for example, you thought a companion paid for it.
- Entrapment — This defense involves proving that you chose to commit a theft crime you otherwise would not have committed because you were enticed to do so on behalf of someone who wanted to prosecute you.
Finding the Right Shoplifting Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs
Choosing the best defense lawyer in Colorado Springs is crucial for your defense. Look for someone with:
- Criminal defense experience — A lawyer who routinely handles shoplifting and other thefts understands state law and the Colorado Springs court system more deeply.
- Results — Look for an attorney with a history of obtaining dismissed or reduced charges or more lenient penalties.
- Support — Choose a Colorado Springs law firm that excels in personalized attention and has accessible and supportive attorneys.
- Reputation — An effective shoplifting defense lawyer has a good relationship with prosecutors and their peers.
At the Peakstone Law Group, we understand how frightening it can be to face shoplifting charges and potential penalties. Our firm fights tirelessly to help you avoid damage to your reputation, livelihood, freedom, and future.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer in Colorado Springs.