5.0 out of 5.0 on Theft Crimes
Burglary vs. Robbery in Colorado Criminal Law
For many people, burglary and robbery are just two different words for stealing something. And you will frequently hear the words used
interchangeably. But when it comes to the law, these terms have distinct definitions. They describe two different types of actions, and it’s important to understand the legal penalties and criminal implications of these crimes.
Understanding the Classes of Felony Theft Crimes
Theft is any crime which permanently deprives the owner of a thing of value. Theft is charged when the defendant is alleged to have taken, used, assumed control of, or abandoned this thing or demanded money or any other kind of compensation for returning it to its owner. The thing of value can include property, identity, or services rendered.
Common Defenses for Colorado Theft Crimes
The laws governing theft in Colorado are complicated and cover a wide variety of crimes. Theft includes:
- Taking, using, exercising control over, or abandoning property in such a way that it deprives the owner of its use.
- Demanding payment or any other kind of compensation for returning something to its owner.
The Difference Between Trespassing and Burglary
Although trespassing and burglary are both property crimes that involve being on someone else’s property unlawfully, they are not the same offense. Burglary crimes tend to be more severe, with stiffer penalties, than trespassing crimes. If you are facing trespassing or burglary charges, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Do You Know the Difference Between Theft and Robbery?
Theft and robbery seem like interchangeable terms. They both mean that something was stolen, right? Well, technically, yes. But that doesn’t mean a charge of theft and a charge of robbery are the same thing. In the eyes of the law, the two crimes are distinct. Both have their own legal definitions, penalties, and ramifications.
A Primer on Identity Theft & Fraud
In Colorado, a range of illegal actions can lead to a fraud charge. Fraud is considered a “white-collar crime,” which is defined as an act of deception to secure unlawful or unfair financial or personal gain. A fraudulent act can lead to both criminal and civil charges. In cases of high-value losses, the damaged party may have the right to seek restitution through civil court.
Rise in Property Crimes Since Legalization of Weed
Legal marijuana shops are linked to higher levels of property crime in nearby areas, according to a nearly three-year study in Denver. Researchers from Ohio State University found that while crime isn’t higher in the area immediately surrounding marijuana outlets, adjacent areas saw about 84 more property crimes per year than neighborhoods without a nearby marijuana store. (Science Daily). It’s of note that “no significant increase in violent crime was seen as a result of marijuana sales.”
Extortion – What Is It?
Extortion is a word we hear a lot in the movies, particularly those that involve the Mafia, but many people aren’t sure about its actual meaning. Other names for it include shakedown, outwrestling, exaction, or a protection racket. In the legal sense, extortion is defined as obtaining money, property, or services from an individual or business through the act of coercion, typically involving the threat of violence or property damage.
What Does a Shoplifting Charge Mean in Colorado?
In the Centennial state, shoplifting falls under the umbrella of theft offenses. Depending on where the shoplifting occurs, jurisdictionally, the resulting charges may be filed in either municipal court or county court. Municipal Court offenses typically occur within the municipality, like a city, where county court cases will occur within the jurisdiction, such as the county, and may occur within the municipality as well.
Possible Defenses for Colorado Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is a complex crime that is closely linked to identity theft. It can occur if someone obtains another person’s information for the purposes of making unauthorized transactions or in order to illegally withdraw funds from the card holder’s bank account. However, even the card holder themselves can be guilty of credit card fraud if they use their own credit card knowing that there aren’t enough funds in the account to cover the purchases being made.
