Colorado Theft Laws: Penalties and Defense Strategies
July 1, 2025
See if this sounds familiar: “If cops don’t have to worry about arresting people for marijuana, they can pay attention to crimes that actually matter.”
Most of us have heard numerous variations of this argument over the years, but until 2012, it was just theoretical. Then Colorado and Washington legalized recreational marijuana, and researchers and statisticians started chomping at the bit.
Well, a few weeks ago a study was published in Police Quarterly that seems to possibly validate those types [...]
A Colorado Springs man recently arrived home to find his home being burglarized. When he confronted the burglar, the burglar pulled a firearm on the homeowner and pointed it at him as he ran away.
That wasn’t the end, though.
According to police, the homeowner then got into his car and chased the suspect, and came into contact with two more alleged accomplices. All of the suspects were able to flee the crime scene, so the investigation is ongoing.
This [...]
Burglary is typically depicted as someone sneaking in to someone’s house late at night through a window and tiptoeing around to commit theft. However, while this certainly is a form of burglary, it is not the only way that you can receive a burglary charge in our state.
In fact, Colorado’s legal definition of burglary includes many other types of crimes and types of actions. Case-in-point: burglary doesn’t have to involve someone’s home – or even a building.
All told, [...]
Property crimes are taken very seriously in Colorado, as they often have devastating consequences for the victim(s) and/or property owner.
Fortunately, Denver has recently enjoyed a decrease in property crimes. As of this writing, the city has averaged 1917 property crimes per month in 2018, a substantial decrease from last year’s average of 2131 property crimes per month.
Local law enforcement often pays special attention to crimes that are widespread or on the rise, which might lead you to believe [...]
Getting arrested for burglary – or any alleged crime – can be a stressful, confusing, and frightening experience. Regardless of the reason why, though, if you find yourself under arrest, it’s important that you keep a few things in mind.
Actions to Avoid When You Are Put Under ArrestResisting. First, even if you believe you haven’t done anything wrong or unlawful, don’t try to fight back or argue. Not only does this not help your situation, it can aggravate [...]
In Colorado, you can be charged with theft even if you didn’t actually steal anything.
State law focuses on intent, not just action. Holding onto lost property, keeping something delivered by mistake, or even being misunderstood can lead to serious charges.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand how Colorado theft laws operate, what the actual penalties entail, and why consulting a Denver, CO criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez as soon as possible could make a [...]
Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility—and in Colorado, the laws around it can be more complicated than they seem. If you carry a firearm or are thinking about getting a permit, it’s essential to understand your rights and obligations under state law. Because when things go wrong, they can go very wrong.
Even a simple mistake—like carrying in a restricted area or letting your permit lapse—can lead to criminal charges. That’s why knowing the law and calling a [...]
You might have heard police say, “You have the right to remain silent,” on TV or in movies. That’s part of what’s called Miranda rights. But these rights aren’t just for drama, they protect you in real life, especially if you’re questioned by police in Denver. Understanding and exercising these rights can make a big difference in your freedom and future.
If you find yourself in a situation where police are questioning you, it’s important to speak with a Denver [...]