Colorado Theft Lawyer

Theft charges in Colorado are not always the result of calculated criminal behavior—but the law and the prosecution do not always care. If you are accused of theft, the consequences are quite real and can include fines, jail, and a lasting stain on your record.

What does a Colorado theft lawyer do? The answer is: more than you think and often when you need it most. At The Law Offices of Susan Deschler, you will find our dual perspective in operation. Susan Deschler has experience working on both sides of the aisle—as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. This experience gives her a unique perspective, as she knows how prosecutors think and what arguments can have a true impact on the outcome of your case. This dual knowledge shapes every strategy, every phone call, and every courtroom appearance. You are not just hiring a Colorado theft lawyer when you work with us. You are gaining an ally who will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and your future.

How Can a Colorado Theft Lawyer Help Me?

Theft accusations come in many forms, each demanding a defense built from the ground up. A Colorado theft lawyer can:

• Examine surveillance footage, receipts, timestamps, and other evidence for flaws or gaps;
• Spot misidentifications or false assumptions made by witnesses or store personnel;
• Challenge illegal police actions, including illegal searches, improper detainment, or other rights violations;
• Pursue pre-filing interventions or civil compromises to avoid formal criminal charges;
• Negotiate for lesser offenses, like attempted theft or petty offense treatment; and
• Fight to keep your record clean through diversion, deferred judgment, or case dismissal.

Colorado theft law is nor black-and-white. At The Law Offices of Susan Deschler, we understand this and employ numerous effective tactics to fight for justice.

Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft: What Is the Difference?

Colorado law classifies theft by the value of the property involved. These value thresholds determine whether the charge is a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony—and each comes with escalating penalties:

• Value of under $300—Class One petty offense carrying up to 10 days in jail and up to a $300 fine;
• Value from $300 to $999—Class Two misdemeanor carrying up to 120 days in jail and up to a $750 fine;
• Value from $1,000 to $1,999—Class One misdemeanor that can result in up to 364 days in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000;
• Value from $2,000 to $4,999—Class Six felony that can result in 12 to 18 months in prison and a possible fine of up to $100,000;
• Value from $5,000 to $19,999—Class Five felony, resulting in 1 to 3 years in prison;
• Value from $20,000 to $99,999—Class Four felony, carrying 2 to 6 years in prison;
• Value from $100,000 to $999,999—Class Three felony, resulting in 4 to 12 years in prison; and
• Value of $1 million or more—Class Two felony that carries a penalty of 8 to 24 years in prison.

Additional penalties may apply if the alleged victim is elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable. A skilled Colorado theft attorney can fight to reclassify charges, argue mitigating factors, and seek alternatives to jail time wherever possible.

What Counts As Theft in Colorado?

Theft is not just shoplifting. The law covers a wide range of acts that involve taking something that does not belong to you, including:

• Employee theft—taking money, merchandise, or data from your place of work;
• Auto theft—unlawfully taking or using someone else’s vehicle, even temporarily;
• Theft by deception—using lies or misrepresentation to obtain goods or services;
• Receiving stolen property—knowingly possessing items that were unlawfully obtained;
• Credit card fraud—using another person’s card or number without permission; and
• Theft of services—failing to pay for services like rides, hotels, or utilities.

Each of these can lead to criminal penalties, requiring a customized defense plan.

What If I Am Innocent?

Not everyone facing theft charges is guilty. Mistaken identity, unclear ownership, or simple human error can lead to an arrest. But assumptions are hard to unmake without forceful representation. A seasoned Colorado theft defense lawyer can:

• Build a timeline that challenges the prosecution’s theory,
• Present alternative explanations that introduce doubt,
• Bring forward character witnesses or expert testimony,
• Uncover internal store errors or surveillance system malfunctions, and
• Show that you lacked the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently.

Even if the evidence looks bad, it does not mean the prosecution has the whole story.

Charged with theft in Colorado? Schedule your free consultation with The Law Offices of Susan Deschler today and get a former prosecutor on your side to fight for your future.

Can a Colorado Theft Attorney Keep My Record Clean?

In some cases, yes. Colorado law offers multiple off-ramps for people facing first-time or low-level theft charges, including:

• Diversion programs—complete a program including community service, counseling, or education to avoid a conviction;
• Deferred judgments—plead guilty, comply with probation, and have the case dismissed later; and
• Sealing records—if charges are dismissed or reduced, you may be eligible to seal the record, protecting future employment and housing opportunities.

An experienced attorney can help you understand which of these options, if any, apply and how to pursue them effectively.

What Should I Do Now?

If you have been arrested or accused of theft, do not speak to the police. Do not sign anything, and do not assume the case will go away. Instead, you should do the following after an arrest:

• Invoke your right to remain silent,
• Request an attorney immediately,
• Avoid discussing the incident with anyone except your lawyer, and
• Preserve any evidence or receipts that support your side of the story.

Then call The Law Offices of Susan Deschler to set up your initial consultation and get started building your defense.

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Why Is Susan Deschler a Different Kind of Colorado Theft Defense Lawyer?

Plenty of lawyers understand theft statutes. But very few bring the combined firepower that Susan Deschler offers, including:

• Over 24 years of criminal defense experience;
• Inside knowledge gleaned from being a former district attorney in Colorado;
• Personalized, one-to-one legal guidance from start to finish; and
• Elite recognition from being listed as a Top 10 Criminal Attorney, named a Top 10 DUI Defense Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine, having a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating, and receiving the Elite Lawyer Criminal Defense Award.

Susan Deschler does not treat cases like files. She treats them with care, understanding that every case represents a unique and full life.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Attorney Susan Deschler Today

Being accused of theft in Colorado is not just frightening; it is personal. Your reputation, job, and relationships can all hang in the balance. But you do not have to face it alone. Contact The Law Offices of Susan Deschler today to speak with a top-rated Colorado theft attorney who builds defense strategies that make a difference. We will work tirelessly to fight the charges and protect your record. Your consultation is free. Your future is worth it. So, let’s get to work.