Colorado led the nation in increased property crime rates from 2010 to 2020, according to a recent report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI). The motor vehicle theft rate in our state more than doubled in this 10-year period. Annual costs associated with crime in Colorado in 2020 totaled $8.5 billion. While the national property crime rate decreased by 8% during the first year of the global pandemic, property crime in Colorado increased by 8%.
What Constitutes Property Crime in Colorado?
The term “property crime” covers a wide range of offenses in Colorado. Penalties can vary depending on the value of the property stolen or damaged. Common property crimes include:
- Burglary: Unlawfully entering a residence or business establishment to commit a crime
- Robbery: Using force or threat of force to take money or property from another
- Trespassing: Unlawfully entering someone else’s property and remaining on it
- Arson: Intentionally starting a fire or using explosives to destroy estate
- Defacing property: Damaging or defacing the property of another or a historical monument
- Criminal mischief: Damaging property that belongs to someone else or that you own jointly with another
- Aggravated motor vehicle theft: Stealing a car and keeping it for more than 24 hours
What Popular Objects Are Most Likely to Be Targets of Property Crime?
Automobiles are among the most popular items likely to be targets of property crime. The costs of motor vehicle theft in Colorado in 2020 totaled more than $1 billion. According to the CSI report, there were:
- 31,322 vehicle thefts
- 34,269 thefts from vehicles
- 13,327 thefts of motor vehicles parts and accessories
Retail crime is another area of particular concern, particularly organized retail crime. The estimated value of stolen retail products in Colorado in 2020 is three quarters of a billion dollars.
What Are the Penalties for Property Crimes in Colorado?
Penalties for property crimes can vary widely , depending on which charges you are facing. Any property crime should be taken seriously. A conviction could mean possible prison time and a mark on your criminal record that could significantly impact your future employment, education, and housing opportunities. It could also leave you open to a civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victims.
What Are the Defenses Against Property Crime Charges?
Our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney can search out every flaw in the prosecution’s case against you. Legal defenses will depend on the specific crime and the circumstances in your case. Common defenses against property crime charges include:
- Illegal search and seizure: The police illegally searched you or your property to discover crucial evidence.
- Insufficient evidence: The burden of proof is on the prosecution. Without enough evidence, they cannot convict you.
- Wrongful accusations by witnesses or law enforcement: You did not do what you were accused of doing.
Why Is It Important to Have a Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you have been charged with a property crime, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You have a better chance of obtaining the best possible outcome in your case with a skilled criminal defense lawyer representing you.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we can use our knowledge, skills, and resources to create a strong defense against the charges. Attorney Timothy Bussey has been practicing for more than two decades in the field of criminal law. He has been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and rated AV® by Martindale-Hubbell® and 10.0 Superb by Avvo.
We offer a free initial consultation. Call us at (719) 475-2555 if you are facing property crime charges.