Denver Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is the crime of intentionally taking goods from a retailer without paying for it. While shoplifting may seem like a minor offense, it still carries penalties that can cause a convicted offender serious problems, including heavy fines and time behind bars. If you have been accused of shoplifting, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your possible options for defense. Here at DeChant Law, Denver shoplifting lawyer Reid DeChant can help you determine your next steps.

Shoplifting Penalties in Colorado

Contrary to popular belief, shoplifting can result in a felony conviction, depending on the cost of goods allegedly stolen.

• Petty offense—Value of shoplifted items is less than $300. Punishable by up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor—Value of shoplifted items is between $300 and $1,000. Punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor—Value of shoplifted items is between $1,000 and $2,000. Punishable by up to a year in jail and fine of up to $1,000.
• Class 6 Felony—Value of shoplifted items is between $2,000 and $5,000. Punishable by one year to18 months in prison and fine between $1,000 and $100,000.
• Class 5 Felony—Value of shoplifted items is between $5,000 and $20,000. Punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 4 Felony—Value of shoplifted items is between $20,000 and $100,000. Punishable by two to six years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
• Class 3 Felony—Value of shoplifted items is between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.

Shoplifting Has Not Risen Since the Pandemic, But Penalties are Stiffening

Shoplifting has been grabbing national attention ever since the pandemic, with relatively cheap household items like toothpaste being locked up, videos circulating on social media showing thieves running out of stores with electronics, armed security guards manning entrances, and various media outlets adding fuel to the fire. However, actual data shows that shoplifting is not rising. Unfortunately, this data has not made it into the public’s mind, and prosecutors and retail stores are punishing those accused of shoplifting with heavy fines and jail time. Retailers like Walmart and Target have poured millions of dollars into lobbying for harsher penalties, with many states taking the bait.

Call a Denver Shoplifting Lawyer Today

While your situation may seem dire, there are always avenues for defense when it comes to shoplifting. For one thing, it must be established that you had intent to take the item in question without purchasing it. Accidentally ending up with an unpaid item in your shopping cart does not equate to shoplifting, and an attorney can help prove this. To fight back against these unfair and untrue allegations, call Denver shoplifting lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law today at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.