- Fax: 720-918-2906
- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Property Damage & Theft Defense in Colorado
Former Prosecutor Protecting Your Rights and Future
Free Consultation Call 24/7
720-209-1469
Property Crime Convictions in Colorado Carry Lifelong Consequences
Important: Property crime convictions can result in substantial restitution orders, permanent criminal records, and barriers to employment and housing. Never speak with law enforcement without an attorney present.
Property Crime Charges
You Need an Experienced Property Crime Defense Attorney
Lack of Intent
Key Defense: The prosecution must prove you intended to commit the crime. If you lacked the specific intent required for the offense, charges may be dismissed or reduced.Examples:
- Taking property you believed was yours
- Entering property you thought you had permission to access
- Damage caused by accident rather than intention
Mistake of Fact
Defense Strategy: If you reasonably believed you had permission or ownership rights, this can defeat property crime charges.Applications:
- Reasonable belief you had permission to use property
- Mistake about property boundaries
- Confusion about ownership or possession rights
False Accusations
Reality: Property crimes are sometimes used as weapons in personal disputes, divorce proceedings, or business conflicts.Our Investigation:
- Examining motives behind accusations
- Investigating witness credibility
- Uncovering evidence of false reporting
Insufficient Evidence
Burden of Proof: The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.Challenge Areas:
- Identity of the perpetrator
- Intent to commit the crime
- Value of damaged or stolen property
- Ownership of the allegedly affected property
Why Beck Law Office Wins Property Crime Cases
Former Prosecutor Advantage
Insider Knowledge: Attorney Lori Beck prosecuted these exact cases for 5 years as Deputy District Attorney. She knows every trick prosecutors use and exactly how to counter them.
Trial Experience: 24+ years of Colorado courtroom experience means we’re not afraid to take your case to trial when it serves your interests.
Relationships: Professional relationships with prosecutors and judges built over decades often lead to better plea negotiations and case outcomes.
Understanding Property Destruction Crimes in Colorado
Property crimes focus on objects, buildings, or belongings rather than direct harm to people. However, many property destruction crimes—like arson and criminal tampering—can endanger lives, and Colorado law imposes serious penalties accordingly.
Stolen Property Crimes
- Theft and shoplifting
- Burglary and breaking and entering
- Motor vehicle theft
- Fraud and forgery
- Identity theft
Destroyed Property Crimes
- Criminal mischief/vandalism
- Arson
- Criminal tampering
- Defacing property
- Trespassing
The Most Common Property Destruction Charges We Defend
Criminal Mischief / Vandalism
Legal Definition: Deliberately destroying or defacing property owned by another person or that you jointly own with another. Common Examples:- Spray painting buildings or vehicles
- Breaking windows or damaging vehicles
- Destroying landscaping or outdoor property
- Damaging equipment or machinery
Criminal Mischief / Vandalism
Legal Definition: Deliberately destroying or defacing property owned by another person or that you jointly own with another.
Common Examples:
- Spray painting buildings or vehicles
- Breaking windows or damaging vehicles
- Destroying landscaping or outdoor property
- Damaging equipment or machinery
Key Insight: Many vandalism cases involve misidentification or lack of intent. We challenge witness reliability and examine security footage frame by frame.
Penalties: Criminal mischief may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of damage caused.
Trespassing
Legal Definition: Illegally entering or remaining on another’s property or vehicle without permission.
Key Distinction: Unlike burglary, you do not necessarily need to intend to commit a crime within the structure to be charged with trespassing.
Defense Strategy: We often prove you had implied permission, were confused about property boundaries, or that signage was inadequate.
Severity Factors:
- Agricultural land classification
- Enclosed property designed to exclude intruders
- Presence of “No Trespassing” signs or barriers
- Whether trespassing involved a residence or commercial property
Criminal Tampering
Legal Definition: Interfering with property of a utility or institution with the intention of impairing, stopping, or interrupting service.
Examples Include:
- Tampering with electrical or water meters
- Unauthorized use of cable or Wi-Fi signals
- Interfering with public transportation systems
- Damaging utility equipment or infrastructure
Arson
Legal Definition: Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly setting fire to, burning, or using explosives to damage or destroy property.
Types of Arson:
- First-degree: Burning occupied buildings with people inside
- Second-degree: Burning unoccupied buildings or structures
- Third-degree: Burning personal property or wildland areas
Important: Arson charges can apply even if you burn your own property if it endangers others or is done to commit insurance fraud.
Factors That Increase Property Destruction Penalties
Intentional Damage
Enhanced Penalties: Charges are more severe when destruction is deemed intentional rather than negligent or accidental.
Value Assessment
Financial Impact: The monetary value of damaged property significantly influences charge severity. High-value losses can escalate misdemeanors to felonies.
Repeat Offenses
Pattern Recognition: Individuals with prior destruction-related charges face harsher consequences as courts seek to deter continued behavior.
Location Impact
Protected Places: Certain locations invoke stricter penalties:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques)
- Government buildings
- Historical monuments or landmarks
— Criminal and Financial Penalities —
The Prosecution's Strategy
How They Build the Case:- Circumstantial evidence that can be challenged or explained
- Witness testimony that may be unreliable or biased
- Video surveillance that can be unclear or misinterpreted
- Physical evidence that may have alternative explanations
Our Proven Defense Approach
- Thorough Investigation: We examine every aspect of your case, from the initial incident through evidence collection and witness statements.
- Challenge Evidence: We scrutinize police procedures, evidence handling, and prosecution claims to identify weaknesses in their case.
- Expert Analysis: When necessary, we work with forensic experts, investigators, and other professionals to challenge the prosecution's evidence.
- Negotiation Excellence: We fight for reduced charges, dismissed cases, or alternative sentencing options including restitution agreements that protect your financial future.
- Trial Experience: Attorney Lori Beck's prosecutorial background provides invaluable insight into how prosecutors think and what strategies work in court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Crime Defense
What are the penalties for theft in Colorado?
Theft penalties in Colorado depend on the value of stolen property, ranging from petty theft (10 days jail, $300 fine) to Class 2 felony (8-24 years prison, up to $1 million fine).
Can property damage be charged as a felony?
Yes, criminal mischief and property destruction can be felonies in Colorado based on the value of damage caused and whether the location has special protection (schools, places of worship).
What is the statute of limitations for property crimes?
Most property crime felonies have a 3-year statute of limitations in Colorado, though some serious offenses may have longer periods.
Can minors be charged with destruction of property in Colorado?
Yes, minors can be charged with property destruction offenses. Although the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, consequences can include fines, community service, restitution, and other sanctions depending on the severity of the act.
How does insurance affect restitution for property damage?
Insurance coverage can complicate restitution calculations. While insurance may cover some damages, you may still be responsible for deductibles, uncovered losses, and premium increases. We work to ensure restitution orders are fair and accurate.
What is the statute of limitations for destruction of property claims?
Generally, property crime charges must be filed within 3 years of the offense, though some serious felonies have longer limitation periods. Civil restitution claims may have different deadlines.
Can property crime charges be reduced to lesser offenses?
Yes, experienced defense attorneys can often negotiate reduced charges such as disorderly conduct or civil infractions, which carry much lighter penalties than felony property crime convictions.
What if the property damage was accidental?
Accidental damage typically cannot support criminal charges, as most property crimes require intent. We thoroughly investigate to prove when damage was truly accidental rather than intentional.
Don't Let Property Charges Destroy Your Future
Property crime charges represent a serious threat to your freedom, your financial stability, and your reputation. The prosecution has significant resources and experience, and they start building their case against you from the moment charges are filed. You need an equally powerful advocate who understands the system from the inside.
The consequences of property crime convictions extend far beyond the courtroom, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, and maintain your standing in the community. Don’t trust these serious charges to an inexperienced attorney or attempt to handle them yourself.
Your future depends on the decisions you make right now. Evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. Contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation.
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Serving Colorado's Front Range
Beck Law Office represents clients facing property crime charges throughout the Denver Metro Area and Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Major Cities: Northglenn, Thornton, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Arvada
We Look At The Law Differently