Colorado Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Colorado online theft or shoplifting class, it's important to know your Colorado theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Colorado theft laws displayed on this page are to aid you in understanding your local Colorado theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have made every attempt to show the latest version of Colorado theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from a lawyer. We suggest that you consult with an appropriate lawyer for more information about Colorado theft laws.

Class	Price
4 Hour Theft Class	$99	Register Now
6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

Colorado Theft and Shoplifting Laws

In Colorado, theft occurs when a person knowingly takes or controls someone else’s property without permission or through deceit or threats. Theft also includes receiving, pawning, or disposing of property that one knows or believes to be stolen. Here are some ways a person can commit theft under Colorado law:

• Intent to Permanently Deprive: The person plans to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
• Use, Concealment, or Abandonment: The person uses, hides, or abandons the property in a way that would prevent the owner from getting it back.
• Conditions for Return: The person demands something in return that they aren’t legally entitled to as a condition for giving the property back.
• Extended Retention: The person keeps rented or borrowed property for more than 72 hours past the agreed return time without permission.
• Misrepresentation for Benefits: The person lies or withholds important information to obtain or keep public benefits they’re not eligible for.

Anything of value is considered the property of “another” if someone other than the person charged has a legal interest in it.

Types of Theft and Associated Penalties

Theft is classified by the value of the property taken, with penalties increasing for higher values:

• Petty Offense: If the property is worth less than $300.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: For property valued between $300 and $1,000.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: For property valued between $1,000 and $2,000.
• Class 6 Felony: For property valued between $2,000 and $5,000.
• Class 5 Felony: For property valued between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Class 4 Felony: For property valued between $20,000 and $100,000.
• Class 3 Felony: For property valued between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
• Class 2 Felony: For property valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Special Considerations

1. Multiple Thefts: If someone commits theft multiple times within six months, or repeatedly against the same person as part of a single scheme, the thefts may be combined into one charge. The penalty depends on the combined value of the items stolen.
2. Theft Without Force: If a person steals directly from someone else without using force, threat, or intimidation, it is considered a class 5 felony, regardless of the value.
3. Municipal Ordinances: Cities can also create their own theft laws for property worth less than $1,000.

Theft Involving the Mortgage Lending Process

If theft is committed through deception in the mortgage lending process, such as providing false information to secure a mortgage, the court must impose a fine equal to the financial harm caused. Additionally:

• The court cannot accept a plea deal for a lesser charge unless it includes full restitution.
• District attorneys and the attorney general have shared responsibility to investigate and prosecute mortgage fraud cases.

The mortgage lending process includes activities like loan applications, underwriting, and closing. Related documents, such as loan applications and financial statements, are considered part of this process.

Public Benefits Theft

If theft involves illegally obtaining public benefits (like food assistance or cash aid), the value of the theft is the difference between the benefits received and those for which the person was actually eligible.

Restitution and Legal Actions

If convicted, the court may order restitution to cover the loss caused by failing to return the property. In cases involving public benefits, restitution may include the amount wrongfully received.

This overview provides a simplified summary of Colorado's theft laws, highlighting key definitions, classifications, and penalties associated with theft and shoplifting.

You might also be interested in Colorado Theft and Shoplifting Classes.