Steven Louth Law Offices
Under the Colorado Revised Statutes, theft is committed when someone “knowingly obtains or exercises control over anything of value of another without authorization” and “intends to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value.” In simple terms, theft is taking something valuable away from the person that it belongs to. In many cases, theft may be a lesser charge that is included among other charges when a person is charged with various economic crimes. However, theft alone is a very serious charge, which can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the circumstances and value of the thing that was taken. What is always clear is that anyone charged with a crime in Colorado needs to speak with a dedicated Denver theft attorney immediately. Steven Louth is an experienced, aggressive attorney who understands how to protect your rights, and will fight hard for the best possible outcome for all of his clients.
Theft Charges
The severity of theft charges, and the penalty associated with them, depends largely on the value of the thing that was taken:
| Value of Stolen Item | Charge |
| Under $500 | Class 2 Misdemeanor |
| At least $500 but less than $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor |
| At least $1,000 but less than $20,000 | Class 4 Felony |
| $20,000 or more | Class 3 Felony |
Additionally, theft from another person's body without using threats, force or intimidation is a Class 5 Felony charge even if the thing taken has little value. An example of this might be picking someone's pocket. It is also important to understand that, when multiple items are taken from a single person, or during a short period of time, those items may be combined to form a single charge. For example, if a person is accused of stealing ten different items from another person's home, that person might be charged with a single theft charge, using the total value of all items to determine the severity of the charge. It's easy to see how complicated these charges can become; an experienced Denver criminal defense lawyer can help to understand the charges against you, and how to defend yourself against them.
What Will My Defense Lawyer Do?
One of the most important functions of a Denver criminal defense lawyer is to ensure that your rights are respected and observed during the investigation, at the time of your arrest, and while you are in custody. One of the most fundamental cornerstones of our criminal justice system is the idea that you are innocent in the eyes of the law until you have been proven guilty in court. As a former Boulder County Prosecutor, Steve Louth has an intimate understanding of how crimes are investigated and prosecuted. He uses this knowledge to help protect the rights of his clients, as well as to conduct his own investigation into the crime. A thorough understanding of the facts is needed, in order to design the most effective possible defense.
Contact the Steven Louth Law Offices Today
If you have been charged with theft, or if you believe that you are under investigation for any crime, contact the Steven Louth Law Offices immediately to protect your rights. Denver criminal defense attorneys Steven and Zachary Louth have the experience that you need to get the best possible outcome for your case. If your rights have been violated, they will fight for a dismissal of charges. They will work your defense around the details of your situation, and work hard for a dismissal or acquittal. In the event of a conviction, they will work to obtain the least restrictive possible penalty. For more information and a FREE CASE EVALUATION, contact Steven Louth Law Offices today at (303)442-2297.