In Colorado, petty theft happens when someone takes something that doesn’t belong to them and that item is worth less than $300. This can be shoplifting a pair of shoes, walking out of a gas station with snacks without paying, or even borrowing something and never returning it. Petty theft may sound small, but if you’ve been charged, it’s not a small matter. Even a minor theft charge can lead to trouble that sticks around for a long time.
Why This Charge Should Be Taken Seriously
You may think it’s just a low-level offense, but petty theft shows up on your record. That means any future landlord, employer, or school that runs a background check will see it. And while the item may not have been expensive, the damage it does to your future can be huge. Colorado courts treat theft as a matter of trust. If someone takes something that isn’t theirs, the law says that person has broken trust with their community.
How Colorado Law Looks at Petty Theft
In Colorado, petty theft is charged as a class 1 petty offense if the value of the item is under $300. That charge may sound light, but the penalties can still feel heavy. You can face up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. And the judge may order you to pay back what you took, do community service, or attend theft classes. In some cases, you may be eligible for a diversion program, which allows you to avoid a conviction if you complete certain tasks.
The Role of Intent
What you meant to do matters. If you accidentally walked out of a store with something, that’s different from hiding something on purpose and leaving without paying. Prosecutors will look for signs that you meant to take the item. That includes whether you tried to hide it, left the store without paying, or had other chances to make it right but didn’t. Your lawyer will want to understand your side clearly to help build your defense.
What Happens After You’re Charged
If you’re charged with petty theft in Colorado, the process usually starts with a citation or an arrest. You’ll be given a court date. When you go to court, the judge or prosecutor may offer a plea deal, which means you agree to a certain outcome without going to trial. Sometimes that deal includes taking a class or doing community service. Other times it may involve probation or paying restitution. Every case is different.
Possible Long-Term Effects
Even if you don’t go to jail, a petty theft charge can still hurt you. It can show up when you apply for jobs, housing, or college. It can also affect your ability to get professional licenses, like if you want to be a nurse, teacher, or real estate agent. Colorado allows some criminal records to be sealed, but you must meet certain rules and wait a certain amount of time. Until that happens, the charge is part of your public record.
Why Having Legal Help Matters
You might feel like you don’t need a lawyer for a petty theft charge, but getting legal help can make all the difference. A lawyer can talk to the prosecutor, explain your side of the story, and may be able to help you avoid a conviction. Even if the evidence looks bad, a lawyer can help reduce the consequences. They may also help you get into a diversion program that can keep your record clean.
A Simple Plan Can Change Everything
Here’s what you can do right now. First, don’t try to handle this alone. Second, write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. Third, talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. Bring all the paperwork you got from the police or court. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you’ll have. You may be able to fight the charge, explain your side, or get into a program that helps you move forward.
What’s At Stake If You Do Nothing
Doing nothing can make things worse. If you miss your court date, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. If you get convicted and don’t take steps to fix it, that record can follow you for years. It may stop you from getting the job or apartment you want. It can even come back up if you’re ever charged with anything again.
How Diversion and Deferred Judgments Can Help
If this is your first offense, the court may offer something called diversion or a deferred judgment. These are programs meant to give people a second chance. With diversion, the case is put on hold while you complete a list of tasks. These can include theft awareness classes, community service, or paying for the item. If you finish everything successfully, the charge can be dropped. That means no conviction on your record.
A deferred judgment works a little differently. You plead guilty, but the court holds off on entering the conviction. You’re given time, often six months to a year, to show the court that you can stay out of trouble. If you do, the case is dismissed and your record may be sealed. This kind of outcome can save you from years of hardship.
These options aren’t always automatic. A good lawyer can ask for them on your behalf and show the court why you deserve another chance. Without one, you might miss the chance to keep your record clean.
How Age and Past History Matter
If you’re under 18, your case goes through the juvenile system, which focuses more on helping than punishing. Still, a juvenile record can come back to haunt you if it’s not sealed. If you’re over 18 but this is your first trouble with the law, the court may be more willing to offer help instead of punishment. But if you’ve had other theft charges in the past, the judge may not be as forgiving. That’s why every case needs careful attention.
Petty Theft Is Still a Criminal Charge
Sometimes people think petty theft isn’t serious because of the word “petty.” But it’s a crime, and it comes with real penalties. Even if you don’t spend time in jail, having a theft conviction on your record can change your life. Employers, landlords, and schools may think twice before giving you a chance. That’s why the way you handle this charge matters so much.
We’re Here to Help You Through This
If you or someone you love has been charged with petty theft in Colorado, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Hebets & McCallin P.C., we’ve helped many people in your shoes. We know the courts, we know the law, and we know how to help you move forward. This charge doesn’t have to define you. Let’s talk about how we can protect your future. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s take the first step together.