Top Defense Lawyer for Colorado Theft & Property Crimes

In Colorado, theft and property damage charges often rise or fall based on one critical factor: value. Whether prosecutors allege that property was taken, damaged, or destroyed, the dollar amount attached to the incident frequently determines whether a case becomes a misdemeanor or a felony—and how severe the penalties may be.

At Pav Law, we defend individuals accused of theft and property damage offenses throughout Colorado. We focus on challenging valuation assumptions, intent, and ownership issues early, before prosecutors lock in charges that can permanently impact your record and future.

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Why Value Matters in Theft and Property Damage Cases

Unlike crimes involving force or violence, theft and property damage cases often hinge on how much something was worth, not on whether anyone was hurt. Prosecutors rely on estimates, repair quotes, replacement costs, or retail pricing to justify charges.

That valuation can:

• Elevate a misdemeanor to a felony
• Increase sentencing exposure
• Drive restitution demands
• Affect probation conditions and long-term consequences

When value is inflated or unsupported, the entire case may rest on shaky ground.

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Theft and Property Damage Are Closely Related

Colorado law treats theft and property damage as distinct offenses, but in practice, they often overlap.

• Theft involves knowingly taking or exercising control over property without permission
• Property damage (criminal mischief) involves knowingly damaging, destroying, or tampering with property

In both cases, the alleged financial impact plays a central role in charging decisions. Many cases involve both allegations—for example, damage caused during an alleged theft or disputes over shared property.

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Common Situations Leading to These Charges

We regularly see theft and property damage charges arise from:

• Shoplifting or retail theft allegations
• Disputes involving shared property or former roommates
• Breakups or domestic conflicts involving damaged belongings
• Workplace allegations involving missing or damaged items
• Vehicle damage during confrontations
• Vandalism or graffiti accusations

In many cases, law enforcement relies on one-sided accounts or assumptions, especially when emotions run high.

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How Colorado Classifies Theft and Property Damage

Colorado classifies both theft and property damage offenses largely by value.

• Lower-value allegations may result in misdemeanor charges
• Higher-value allegations can lead to felony charges
• Prior convictions can increase severity
• Restitution claims often exceed actual repair or replacement costs

Prosecutors frequently rely on estimates rather than verified costs. Pav Law challenges how value is calculated and whether the evidence supports the charged level.

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Theft and Property Damage vs. Robbery and Burglary

Understanding the difference matters for defense strategy.

• Theft & property damage focus on value, ownership, and intent
• Robbery involves force or intimidation against a person
• Burglary centers on unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime

When prosecutors blur these lines to justify harsher charges, we push back aggressively.

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Penalties and Collateral Consequences

Convictions for theft or property damage in Colorado can result in:

• Jail time or probation
• Fines and court costs
• Restitution orders
• Permanent criminal records
• Employment and licensing issues
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Even misdemeanor convictions can carry long-term consequences.

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Common Defenses in Theft and Property Damage Cases

These cases often turn on intent, ownership, and valuation. Depending on the facts, Pav Law may focus on:

• Disputes over ownership or permission
• Lack of intent to permanently deprive or damage
• Accidental or incidental damage
• Inflated or speculative repair estimates
• Civil disputes mischaracterized as crimes
• Insufficient evidence linking the accused to the conduct
• Improper investigative or loss-prevention practices

We require prosecutors to prove every element—not just assign a number and move on.

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Restitution: Often the Hidden Battleground

Restitution drives many theft and property damage cases. Courts often order restitution based on:

• Replacement rather than repair costs
• Retail pricing instead of fair market value
• Estimates that exceed actual losses

Pav Law challenges restitution aggressively to limit financial harm and prevent inflated numbers from driving sentencing outcomes.

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How Pav Law Handles Theft & Property Damage Cases

Our approach emphasizes early intervention and strategic pressure:

• Immediate review of police reports and valuation claims
• Analysis of ownership, access, and intent
• Independent evaluation of repair or replacement costs
• Negotiation for dismissals, reductions, or alternative resolutions
• Trial-ready preparation when charges cannot be resolved fairly

We tailor each defense to the facts—because no two property cases are the same.

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Early Action Can Prevent Felony Exposure

Many theft and property damage cases escalate because no one challenges value early. Acting quickly allows us to:

• Prevent misdemeanor cases from becoming felonies
• Reduce restitution demands
• Resolve disputes before positions harden
• Protect your criminal record

Delay often limits options. Early legal involvement preserves them.

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