Let our compassionate attorney explore your options after being charged with burglary, theft, or robbery. 

If you are facing theft or burglary charges in Colorado, don't wait to contact a criminal defense attorney. Your future is on the line. 

Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele represents clients across the entire legal process, including criminal trials, plea negotiations, court hearings, and more. We can help you build a strong defense and understand your legal options for moving forward.

Request a consultation with Steele Law, P.C., today to get started.

Understanding Burglary and Theft Charges in Colorado

Many people use the terms theft, robbery, burglary, and shoplifting interchangeably, but they all carry important legal distinctions in Colorado.

Theft involves knowingly obtaining, retaining, or exercising control over someone else's property without the owner's authorization, or through the use of deception or threats, with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of possession of the property. This may include actions such as:

• • Borrowing someone's property and never returning it
  • Receiving, selling, or disposing of something of value that has been stolen
  • Promising to pay someone for property, then never doing so

While theft can include the use of deception or threats, robbery involves stealing from another person or entity using force or intimidation. Colorado recognizes three levels of robbery charges: robbery, aggravated robbery, and robbery of controlled substances. Robbery can be considered a violent crime and has steeper penalties than theft.

Shoplifting can be considered a form of theft in Colorado. It involves intentionally depriving a retail establishment of merchandise it is selling. Examples may include:

• • Taking an item from a retail establishment without paying
  • Making a fraudulent return
  • Altering packaging or price tags to purchase an item for less than its intended price

Burglary is a charge that can arise when someone unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit a crime other than trespassing. Burglary can also involve entering cash registers, vaults, safes, product dispensers, and any equipment inside a building.

Each of these charges can vary in severity. Factors like the value of the stolen property and how the crime was committed impact whether they are charged as misdemeanors or felonies. Understanding your charges with the help of our law firm can help you make informed decisions about moving forward. 

Potential Burglary and Theft Penalties

Penalties for theft and burglary convictions can vary significantly.

Petty theft typically carries no jail time and low fines, though penalties can vary. Theft for higher-value items may result in jail time and fees that correlate to the severity of the crime.

On the low end, third-degree burglaries can carry jail time of up to 120 days and/or fines of up to $750. Meanwhile, first-degree burglary is charged as a class three felony and can carry between four and 24 years of prison time, along with fines up to $1 million.

Aggravating factors that can increase the penalties in Colorado burglary cases may include:

• • The use of force or violence when entering a building
  • Possessing a deadly weapon during a burglary
  • Entering a home rather than a business
  • Prior convictions related to theft or burglary

Committing theft may feel like a simple act, but it can have long-term consequences. Meanwhile, burglary charges can lead to even greater penalties and the potential for lengthy prison sentences. It is important that you contact a defense attorney as soon as possible to begin strategizing your route forward.

Possible Defenses for Theft and Burglary Charges in Colorado

Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele has extensive experience defending clients facing charges involving theft or burglary. Our law office may use any of the following defenses as part of your legal strategy.

• • Lack of evidence that you were inside the property: If you were not inside the property when you were arrested for burglary, the prosecution will need evidence tying you to the scene. Even finding your fingerprints at the scene may not be sufficient if it was a property you had previously visited lawfully.
  • Lack of intent to commit: Proving theft often involves showing that you intended to commit the act and did not unknowingly take something from someone else's property. Your attorney may be able to show that your property was stolen or that you were unaware that it was on your person.
  • Lawful ownership: Theft also involves the unlawful taking of another person's property. If you can prove that you are the lawful owner of personal items or other property that was considered "stolen," you may be able to dispute these charges.
  • Permission to enter: Burglary charges can be de-escalated to theft charges if you can prove that you had permission to enter the house or building where the theft occurred, and that you did not enter the building with an intended crime in mind.

We will work closely with you to build a defense that reflects the unique circumstances of your case. Alternatively, you may decide that you want to pursue a plea deal to seek potentially lower penalties. We can explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of this route and help you make an informed decision.

Work With Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele on Your Legal Defense

Are you facing theft or burglary charges in the Englewood, CO, area? Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele understands the overwhelming emotions you may be experiencing and wants to provide the professional, empathetic representation your case requires.

I value building long-term relationships with my clients, and your future success is extremely important to me.

"Professional, thorough, and truly cares about her clients. Margaret helped me get my life back on track." 

You may picture criminal defense attorneys as confrontational and abrupt. I take a different approach—my focus is on helping you gain peace of mind, knowing your case is in experienced, dedicated hands.