Colorado Springs Shoplifting Attorney

Shoplifting Crimes

There are plenty of different ways you can be accused and charged for shoplifting. This is the case in Colorado Springs, much like anywhere else in Colorado.

Despite what you might be seeing in the news about isolated incidents, more and more retailers are getting increasingly strict about patrolling to ensure patrons aren’t stealing. Getting convicted of a shoplifting crime will definitely add stress and complexity to your life. Not to mention fines and a possible jail term!

Shoplifting – A Small Crime?

While this results in more misunderstandings, it means more people getting caught. Perhaps it was your first time stealing. Maybe you are regretful of your actions. Or perhaps you did it because you needed to put food on the table for your family.

Maybe you were egged on by your friends who were daring you to do it?

In Colorado, the courts are split into two different jurisdictions. You have the municipal court and the state court. When you shoplift, you are charged through municipal court. However, that doesn’t mean shoplifting is not a serious charge. The consequences of stealing and your permanent record are all at stake.

It may seem to some that shoplifting isn’t a big deal and that the offense is rather small in comparison to other crimes. However, it’s still a charge of theft and it can have grave consequences for your life. Not only does it come with the potential for jail time and significant fees, but a theft conviction could negatively impact your ability to get a job, quality housing and many other desirable things.

You may be wondering what consequences you could be facing if you are found guilty? You’ll find these consequences can vary. However, they can include:

Class 1 Petty Offense

This is the charge for any theft of items that totaled under $50. You can also get charged with spending up to a year in jail for this and have to pay a fine.

Class 2 Misdemeanor

This is the charge you will get if you are charged with the theft of items that have a value of less than $500 total. You can be charged anywhere from 3 months to a full year in jail and you can be expected to pay up to $1,000 in fines.

Class 1 Misdemeanor

This is the charge you will get if you steal something between $500 and $1,000. You can also be charged with this if you possess theft detection tools or tamper with devices that are designed to detect theft. For this charge, you can spend anywhere from 6 months to 18 months in jail and be expected to pay $500 to $5,000 in fines.

Class 4 Felony

This is the charge you will get if you steal items with a value between $1,000 and $20,000. You can spend anywhere from 2 to 6 years in jail and be responsible for paying $2,000 to $500,000 in fines.

Class 3 Felony

This is the charge you will get if you are charged with theft of items totaling more than $20,000. You can spend 4 to 12 years in jail and be expected to pay $3,000 to $750,000 in fines.

Get The Best Shoplifting Defense Attorney In Colorado Springs

If you are in Colorado Springs and you recently got charged with shoplifting, it’s time to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

It doesn’t matter how hopeless you may feel, getting an experienced lawyer by your side is one of the best decisions you can make to best protect your interests and improve your chances of reducing sentencing.

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