Colorado Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Colorado online theft or shoplifting class, it's important to know your Colorado theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Colorado theft laws displayed on this page are to aid you in understanding your local Colorado theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have made every attempt to show the latest version of Colorado theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from a lawyer. We suggest that you consult with an appropriate lawyer for more information about Colorado theft laws.

Class	Price
4 Hour Theft Class	$99	Register Now
6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

Theft occurs when a person knowingly obtains or controls something of value belonging to another without permission, through threat or deception. It involves the intention to permanently deprive the owner of the item or using, concealing, or abandoning it in a way that deprives the owner permanently. Demanding consideration for returning the item is also considered theft. A "thing of value" is considered to belong to "another" if someone other than the defendant has a possessory or ownership interest in it.

18-4-401. Theft.

The severity of theft charges varies based on the value of the stolen item:

• Less than $500: Class 2 misdemeanor.
• $500 or more but less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor.
• $1,000 or more but less than $20,000: Class 4 felony.
• $20,000 or more: Class 3 felony.

Multiple thefts within a six-month period can be aggregated and charged as a single offense, resulting in higher felony charges if the aggregate value exceeds certain thresholds.

Theft from a person without force, threat, or intimidation is a Class 5 felony, regardless of the value.

Municipalities can also pass ordinances to prohibit theft with a value less than $1,000.

If theft by deception involves the mortgage lending process, a mandatory minimum fine is imposed, and a plea agreement must include restitution orders compensating the victim for any costs caused by the offense.

Prosecution of theft involving false statements or documents in the mortgage lending process can be carried out by district attorneys and the attorney general with concurrent jurisdiction. Documents involved in the process include loan applications, appraisal reports, settlement statements, personal documentation, and required disclosures.

18-4-402. Theft of rental property.

Theft of rental property involves obtaining or failing to return temporarily rented personal property without consent or through deception. The severity of charges depends on the value of the property:

• Less than $500: Class 2 misdemeanor.
• $500 or more but less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor.
• $1,000 or more but less than $20,000: Class 5 felony.
• $20,000 or more: Class 3 felony.

If a person commits theft of rental property multiple times within six months, the thefts can be combined into a single offense. The severity of the offense increases if the aggregate value of the stolen property exceeds certain thresholds, resulting in higher felony charges.

18-4-403. Statutory intent.

Laws in the state of Colorado referring to larceny, stealing, embezzlement, false pretenses, confidence games, or shoplifting should be understood as referring to the crime of theft. Sections 18-4-401 to 18-4-403 define theft and include these offenses, removing previous distinctions and technicalities in prosecuting and proving such crimes.

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