Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 24, 2018
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The act of shoplifting is often taken lightly in the realm of criminal offenses, perceived by many as a frivolous and harmless crime. However, it should be taken seriously, especially in states like Colorado which make no distinction between shoplifting and other forms of theft.
In Colorado, all theft offenses including shoplifting are punishable by the general theft statute. The charges and penalties for theft are based on the value of the property involved. For example, the least serious offense is a class 1 petty offense, which is a theft of property that is less than $50. The most serious charge is a class 2 felony for a theft of property valued at $1 million or more.
In terms of legal research, an attorney's statutory analysis is the best way to understand how the law applies to you. However, it doesn't hurt to read a plain language guide to the statutes as well for a general understanding of how the law works. Read the chart below to get a better handle on Colorado's shoplifting laws.
Statutes |
Colorado Revised Statutes |
What's Prohibited
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It's unlawful for an individual to:
Concealment of Goods If an individual willfully conceals unpurchased goods or merchandise owned or held by and offered or displayed for sale by any store or other mercantile establishment, such concealment is sufficient to show a rebuttable presumption that the individual intended to the commit the crime of theft. |
Enhanced Penalties |
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No Merchant Liability |
If a person triggers an alarm or theft detection device or conceals or carries away any unpurchased goods or merchandise, the merchant, employee, or peace or police officer isn't liable (civilly or criminally) for the following:
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you've been accused of shoplifting in Colorado, don't risk a conviction without talking to a lawyer. Even if you're only facing a misdemeanor charge, the harm to your record and reputation can have a lasting impact on your life. Use FindLaw's attorney directory to find an experienced defense attorney near you.
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