Theft and Property Theft Criminal Defense Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Theft and property related offenses, including auto theft or insurance fraud, are very serious offenses. Theft offenses are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” meaning they are contrary to good morals or honesty, and therefore can devastate your reputation, job, and your relationships.
Philip M. Smith • Attorney • Denver, Colorado
Theft Defense Lawyer
Free Consultations • Call (303) 333-8900 • Email
Theft is a criminal charge that includes a broad range of offenses from shoplifting to forgery to car jacking. The punishment generally depends on the value of the stolen item, and can be as serious as a first degree felony.
Philip M. Smith has over 35 years of legal experience
as a private criminal defense attorney,
a former judge and district attorney,
practicing in all areas of criminal defense law.
As an experienced Denver, Colorado criminal defense theft attorney, I defend clients facing all types of misdemeanor and felony theft and property related criminal allegations, including:
- Theft Shoplifting, Burglary, Robbery, or stolen checks (Go to Forgery and Identity Theft)
- Auto theft Carjacking, stealing a parent’s car, or other Motor Vehicle Theft
- Insurance Fraud making false car theft claims, false arson claims, false business billing claims, or other insurance fraud
- Theft by Receiving often a person gets charged with this when buying something for a price “that is too good to be true.” Depending on the relationship with the seller, this can be a defensible charge
- Theft of Rental Property–this most often occurs when the rental car is not returned.
- Computer Crime this is a “catch-all” offense for using a computer to commit theft, fraud, unauthorized access to data, and identity theft, and a long list of other acts.
- Forgery this is committed by making a forged check, endorsing a forged check, or simply tendering a forged check for payment.
Sentencing on theft charges is determined by the amount alleged that was taken. Sometimes the District Attorney or prosecutor will combine a series of thefts into one charge in order to increase the punishment.
How I Can Help YOU
Do not discuss what happened with ANYONE except your attorney. Any statements made to law enforcement may be used against you. Family, friends or coworkers may be called as witnesses.
There are different strategies to approach defending against various theft and fraud charges. Every person and every case is unique. I analyze my client’s situation and create an individualized defense strategy to achieve the most favorable disposition in a case which would include negotiating the amount or manner of payment of restitution.
Questions?
Call my office today for a free confidential consultation
Denver Attorney Philip M. Smith
303-333-8900
When under stress, at times of crises, and in desperate situations during this economy, people will do things that are out of character. Getting the prosecutor to understand this will assist in negotiating a good outcome. I have handled thousands of theft cases from shoplifting to the most serious felony charges. If necessary I will have my investigator or forensic computer expert review the critical elements of your charges. I know what it is necessary to challenge evidence against my client and how to obtain a more favorable result.
Consequences of Theft Convictions
Theft convictions in Colorado cannot be sealed. These charges will be available to law enforcement, military, government agencies and the public. Landlords and employers will not risk their property or the property of their tenants and employees by renting or hiring a person who they see as a threat because of your charge or conviction. It is important to fully explore the facts and law before pleading guilty to theft charge or going to trial on such a serious charge. I want to help you get the best resolution to your case by working to have the charges dismissed, obtain a deferred judgment or possibly Diversion.
Contact My Law Office
If you need a criminal defense lawyer to fight a Colorado theft or property theft criminal charge, or if you have questions about theft charges, I encourage you to contact me, Denver Attorney Philip M. Smith, 303-333-8900 today for a free and confidential initial consultation.
