Colorado Springs Car Theft Defense Lawyer
Car theft in Colorado is a serious offense with potentially life-altering consequences, including steep fines and prison time. A conviction for auto theft also means a permanent criminal record that impacts your career, ability to rent a home or apartment, and your personal life. Fortunately, you have a right to due process and the presumption of innocence.
An arrest does not have to mean a conviction. Don’t face a serious criminal arrest without prompt action on your behalf. Call a Colorado Springs car theft defense lawyer from Anaya & Chadderdon so we can protect your rights.
Why Choose Anaya & Chadderdon for Your Car Theft Defense Lawyers In Colorado Springs?
If you’re facing theft charges in Colorado Springs, you need assertive legal action to defend your rights. At Anaya & Chadderdon, we offer the following benefits:
- A well-respected history of helping thousands of criminally charged clients through negotiations and dismissals
- Years of trial experience with exceptional results, including by one of Colorado’s top-tier female trial lawyers
- A results-oriented approach with aggressive action to vigorously defend your rights
Many of our firm’s criminal defense lawyers have meaningful insights from prior careers as prosecutors, giving your defense strategy a powerful advantage.
Understanding Auto Theft In Colorado Springs
A person may be charged with first-degree auto theft in Colorado if they took control of another individual’s vehicle without authorization or by using threats, intimidation, or deception. They must also have committed at least one of the following aggravating factors:
- Kept possession or retained control of the car for 24 hours or more
- Made or accomplished attempts to disguise or alter the appearance of the vehicle
- Removed or attempted to remove or alter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Used the vehicle to commit a (non-traffic violation) crime
- Caused $500 or more in property damage
- Injured another person while in control of the vehicle
- Left Colorado with the vehicle for 24 or more hours
- Displayed or attached unlawful license plates on the vehicle
If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with car theft, it’s imperative to have immediate legal defense by an experienced Colorado Springs car theft defense attorney.
Felony Charges for Car Theft In Colorado Springs
The severity of car theft charges in Colorado is based on the value of the car. The charges for auto theft in Colorado Springs can be classified as a Class 5 felony for a car valued under $20,000, a Class 4 felony for cars valued between $20,000 and $100,000, or a Class 3 felony for a car valued above $100,000.
Second-degree auto theft charges apply to vehicles valued at less than $20,000, while theft of a vehicle valued at less than $2,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor crime.
Those with prior arrests for car theft in Colorado also face Class 3 felony charges regardless of the vehicle’s value.
Possible Criminal Penalties for Auto Theft Conviction In Colorado
A conviction for felony auto theft carries serious penalties, depending on the prior arrest record, the value of the stolen vehicle, and the circumstances of the theft. A convicted individual faces jail time, prison, fines, and the revocation of their Colorado driver’s license.
Fortunately, there are several strong defenses for auto theft charges in Colorado Springs, such as the following:
- The vehicle lawfully belongs to you
- You had the owner’s permission before driving, or were unaware that you did not have the owner’s permission
- There was an illegal search or police misconduct during the arrest
If you’ve been arrested for car theft, it’s crucial to have immediate legal defense so you know your legal rights and the options for a vigorous legal defense based on the circumstances of your case.
Call the Colorado Springs Car Theft Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been charged with auto theft in Colorado Springs, you need immediate legal representation. Call Anaya & Chadderdon to schedule a free consultation with an auto theft defense lawyer in Colorado Springs for a strong and prompt legal defense.