 ■ COLORADO THEFT AND BURGLARY ATTORNEY
If you are charged with theft or burglary in El Paso County, you will need to hire an experienced Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney immediately.
Theft and burglary charges can be very serious and it is important to obtain expert legal advice to protect your rights and negotiate a fair trial.
Burglary
Burglary is considered a felony because it has the potential for violence when a person is inside. Even if no one was harmed, you can still be charged with first-degree burglary, which is a Class 3 felony in the state of Colorado, and carries with it a mandatory sentence of 8 to 24 years in prison. In general, when you are charged with burglary, it will either be first degree, second degree or third degree burglary.
Third Degree Burglary
If you break into any locked container, such as vaults and safes, with the intent to commit a crime, you can be charged with third degree burglary. In general, burglary charges are often attached to theft charges. Third degree burglary is a Class Five Felony, which comes with a possible sentence of one to three years. If you stole drugs, it becomes a Class Four Felony and comes with more severe consequences.
Second Degree Burglary
If you break and enter into any building with the intent to commit a crime, you will be charged with Second Degree Burglary. The majority of Second Degree Burglary charges come with multiple charges of theft, rape or assault and your defense attorney will need to evaluate all aspects of your case in order to prevent maximum penalties from being enforced. If the burglary occurred in a commercial building or property, it is considered a Class Four Felony in the state of Colorado. However, if the burglary occurred in a residential dwelling or if you intended to steal a controlled substance, the charges escalate to a Class Three Felony with substantially harsher penalties.
First Degree Burglary
If you break and enter into any building and assault or intend to assault a person during the burglary process, you can be charged with First Degree Burglary. In Colorado, First Degree Burglary is a Class Three Felony with mandatory prison time. If you intended to steal a narcotic or other controlled substance, it quickly becomes a Class Two Felony.
Theft
Charges of theft can include shoplifting, credit card or check fraud, identity theft and any other means of stealing another person's property. An experienced Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney can help to make sure your case is handled fairly and that your Constitutional rights are protected. In many cases, theft charges can escalate to criminal charges unfairly. Your attorney will help determine if your case should be tried as a civil case rather than a criminal one.
In most situations, victims are willing to negotiate and many cases can be resolved through restitution. A skillful Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney can work with prosecutors to strike a favorable plea bargain and help you avoid unnecessary jail time.
If you are charged with theft or burglary in Colorado Springs or anywhere throughout El Paso County, contact a qualified Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Before you even speak with authorities or undergo questioning, it is imperative that you contact a defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is handled fairly and efficiently. |
