Arapahoe County Theft & Property Crimes Defense Lawyer
Theft and property crime charges in Arapahoe County, Colorado can range from misdemeanor shoplifting to serious felony burglary allegations. Prosecutors in the 18th Judicial District handle these cases through the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial, and they often pursue aggressive charging strategies—especially when allegations involve high-dollar losses or prior convictions.
If you were charged in Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Littleton, Greenwood Village, or Glendale, you need a defense strategy tailored to Arapahoe County courts. At Pav Law, we defend clients against misdemeanor and felony theft-related offenses with focused, trial-ready preparation.
Common Theft & Property Charges in Arapahoe County
We defend clients accused of:
- Theft (based on value of property)
- Shoplifting / Retail Theft
- Burglary
- Criminal Mischief (property damage)
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Trespass
- Receiving Stolen Property
The severity of the charge depends heavily on the value of the property allegedly taken or damaged.
Theft Charges and Property Value
Colorado law classifies theft offenses based on the dollar amount involved. In Arapahoe County, prosecutors often rely on:
- Retail loss prevention reports
- Surveillance footage
- Inventory estimates
- Alleged admissions
In metro areas like Aurora and Englewood, retail theft cases are common due to high-density commercial corridors along Colfax Avenue, Havana Street, and major shopping centers.
We carefully examine valuation claims. Inflated property values can improperly elevate a misdemeanor into a felony.
Burglary in Arapahoe County
Burglary differs from simple theft. It involves entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime inside.
Burglary charges in Arapahoe County often arise from:
- Apartment complex disputes
- Commercial break-ins
- Alleged garage or storage unit entry
- Domestic-related entry allegations
Because burglary involves intent, prosecutors must prove more than just presence. Intent is often inferred—and we challenge those inferences directly.
Criminal Mischief (Property Damage)
Criminal mischief involves knowingly damaging another person’s property. These charges frequently stem from:
- Domestic disputes
- Vehicle damage allegations
- Apartment or rental property damage
- Business property incidents
As with theft, the value of the alleged damage determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
We scrutinize repair estimates and valuation methods.
Motor Vehicle Theft in Metro Areas
With large commuter corridors like I-225 and I-25, Arapahoe County sees a steady volume of motor vehicle theft cases.
These cases often involve:
- Allegations of unauthorized use
- Disputes between acquaintances
- Shared vehicle misunderstandings
- Recovery based on electronic tracking
Intent and permission are often key issues.
How Theft Cases Move in the 18th Judicial District
The 18th Judicial District processes a high volume of theft-related cases, especially misdemeanors. Prosecutors often present early plea offers, particularly in retail cases.
However, early resolutions are not always the best option.
We evaluate:
- Whether probable cause existed
- Whether surveillance footage clearly identifies the accused
- Whether valuation is accurate
- Whether intent can be proven
- Whether restitution demands are inflated
Each case requires individualized review.
Potential Penalties for Theft & Property Convictions
Penalties may include:
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- Restitution
- Fines
- Community service
- Permanent criminal record
Felony theft convictions can significantly affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Theft vs. White Collar Crimes
While theft and burglary typically involve physical property, more complex financial crimes—such as fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement—fall under white collar offenses. Those cases involve different investigative processes and will be addressed separately.
How Pav Law Defends Theft & Property Charges
When you hire Pav Law, we:
- Conduct an immediate case review
- Analyze surveillance and body camera footage
- Challenge valuation claims
- Examine intent and credibility issues
- Negotiate strategically when appropriate
- Prepare aggressively for trial when necessary
We treat every theft case as trial-ready from the outset.
Early Legal Action Protects Your Record
In high-volume metro jurisdictions like Arapahoe County, early action allows us to:
- Influence charging decisions
- Protect your bond conditions
- Negotiate strategically
- Preserve favorable evidence
Waiting limits leverage. Immediate intervention protects it.
Speak With an Arapahoe County Theft Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing theft or property crime charges in Arapahoe County, do not face the 18th Judicial District alone.
📞 Call Pav Law today to request your free case evaluation.
We will review your case immediately and begin building a defense tailored specifically to Arapahoe County courts.
🔎Click here to return to the list of Arapahoe County areas of practice.
🗺️Click here to return to the list of counties in Colorado.
⚖️Click here to view all our areas of practice.