Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on June 22, 2026
Property theft charges in Aurora can devastate your reputation, career prospects, and financial future, transforming a momentary lapse in judgment into years of legal consequences that follow you everywhere. Whether you are facing accusations of shoplifting, burglary, identity theft, or white-collar property crimes, the stakes are high, and Colorado’s aggressive prosecution approach means you need immediate legal protection to safeguard your rights and your future.
At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., we understand that property crime allegations often stem from misunderstandings, desperation, or circumstances beyond your control. With 22+ years of criminal defense experience in Colorado, a dual prosecution and defense background, and more than 10,000 cases handled, our team has defended clients against theft and property crime charges throughout the Denver metro area, including Aurora. We approach every case with the personal attention and strategic thinking needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Loss Prevention Reports and Civil Demand Letters Move Fast
Detained by store security or charged with theft in Aurora? Anything you sign or say to loss prevention can become evidence. Civil demand letters often follow within days. Talk to a defense lawyer before responding to anyone.
22+ years of criminal defense experience. Dual prosecution and defense background. 10,000+ criminal cases handled. Same-day appointments and 24/7 availability.
Colorado categorizes theft and property crimes based on the value of the allegedly stolen property and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. These charges range from petty theft misdemeanors to serious felonies that can result in years in prison under the Colorado Revised Statutes, which set out the tiered penalty structure for every theft offense in the state.
Petty theft involves property valued under $300 and typically results in misdemeanor charges. However, even this seemingly minor offense can carry fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. For example, shoplifting items worth $250 from a department store would fall under this category, but the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, potentially affecting employment opportunities and professional licenses.
Theft charges escalate quickly as property values increase. Property worth $300 to $1,000 constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor, while theft of items valued between $1,000 and $2,000 becomes a Class 6 felony. The most serious property theft charges apply when the value exceeds $20,000, resulting in Class 3 felony charges that can lead to decades in prison.
Our defense strategies adapt to the specific type of property crime you are facing, as each category presents unique legal challenges and opportunities for defense.
Shoplifting and retail theft cases often hinge on intent and evidence quality. We examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and store security procedures to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Many shoplifting charges result from misunderstandings, security guard overreach, or faulty loss prevention protocols.
Burglary charges require proving unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime inside. We challenge both the entry element and the intent requirement, often demonstrating that our clients had permission to be present or lacked criminal intent. For instance, entering a friend’s apartment to retrieve personal belongings can be misconstrued as burglary without proper context.
Identity theft and fraud cases involve complex digital evidence and financial records. We work with forensic accountants and computer analysts to challenge the prosecution’s technical evidence and demonstrate reasonable doubt about our client’s involvement in these sophisticated crimes.
Motor vehicle theft charges can arise from borrowing disputes, misunderstandings about permission, or cases of mistaken identity. We investigate the relationship between the accused and the vehicle owner, examining text messages, witness testimony, and circumstantial evidence to build a comprehensive defense.
Every property crime defense begins with a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and the circumstances leading to your charges. We examine police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence to identify procedural errors, constitutional violations, and factual inconsistencies.
Challenging evidence collection procedures often provides the strongest defense foundation. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during searches or interrogations, we can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. For example, searching your vehicle without probable cause or questioning you after invoking your right to counsel can result in critical evidence being excluded from trial. This approach is core to our broader aggressive criminal defense strategy in every case we handle.
We also focus on intent, which prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Many property crimes require specific criminal intent that may be absent in your case. Taking someone else’s property by mistake, borrowing items with permission, or acting under the reasonable belief that you had authorization can negate the intent element necessary for conviction.
Facing property crime charges requires an attorney who understands both the technical legal aspects of these cases and the human elements that lead to criminal allegations. Our 22+ years of experience defending clients throughout Colorado, combined with a dual prosecution and defense background and more than 10,000 cases handled, give our team the perspective to spot the weaknesses in a property crime case and the leverage to push back at every stage.
We provide the personal attention that larger firms cannot offer, ensuring you receive direct access to experienced attorneys who understand your case inside and out. Our approach emphasizes thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and creative legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether we are negotiating plea agreements or fighting charges at trial, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life. Reach out through our contact form to discuss your property crime charges and begin building your defense.
Under Colorado Revised Statute 16-5-401, misdemeanor theft charges (typically property valued under $2,000) generally must be filed within 18 months of the alleged offense. Felony theft charges (property valued over $2,000, or theft of certain types of property regardless of value) have a three-year filing window. Federal property crime charges (mail fraud, wire fraud, interstate theft) generally have a five-year statute of limitations. Leaving Colorado after the alleged offense pauses the state clock for up to five years.
Colorado theft charges are tiered by the value of the property: under $50 is a petty offense, $50 to $300 is a Class 2 misdemeanor, $300 to $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, $1,000 to $2,000 is a Class 6 felony, $2,000 to $5,000 is a Class 5 felony, $5,000 to $20,000 is a Class 4 felony, $20,000 to $100,000 is a Class 3 felony, $100,000 to $1,000,000 is a Class 3 felony, and over $1,000,000 is a Class 2 felony. Aggravated theft (theft from a person, theft of a controlled substance, or theft by a public servant) can elevate the charge level regardless of value.
Stay calm, comply with reasonable requests for identification, and do not run. Colorado’s shopkeeper privilege allows reasonable detention based on probable cause, but does not require you to make a statement, sign a confession, or admit guilt. Politely decline to answer questions or sign anything beyond confirming your identity. Ask if you are being detained or are free to leave, and request to speak with a lawyer. Even if you are released without arrest, loss prevention may file charges later or send a civil demand letter seeking damages.
After a shoplifting allegation, many Colorado retailers send a civil demand letter asking for payment of statutory damages (often $250 to $500) separate from any criminal case. Paying the civil demand does not resolve or prevent the criminal charge. Ignoring it does not necessarily lead to a lawsuit either, since these letters are often more about deterrence than litigation. Do not respond directly to the letter without consulting an attorney. Your response can affect both the civil claim and the criminal case.
Defense fees vary based on the charge level, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor theft representation typically runs from a few thousand dollars for a plea-based resolution to higher amounts for cases that go to trial. Felony theft cases, particularly those involving identity theft, forgery, or multiple counts, can run substantially higher. At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., we offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options and our fee structure before you commit.
Yes. Even a misdemeanor petty theft conviction creates a permanent criminal record that appears on standard background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing. Theft convictions are particularly damaging because they raise dishonesty concerns that employers weight heavily. Some Colorado theft offenses are eligible for record sealing after a waiting period, but the process is not automatic and depends on the specific charge and your overall record. Avoiding the conviction through dismissal, deferred judgment, or a diversion program is almost always preferable to seeking relief after the fact.
