After being charged with entering a building and committing theft, you may be pretty worried. You may not even remember what happened at that time.
The state of Colorado always treats robbery, theft and burglary as felonies. This means, that if you have been accused of one of these crimes, it is a serious matter.
You need a good defense to protect your future
Because you may not remember what you did when that theft was committed, you may have a good defense. If you did not commit the crime, you need to be able to convince a judge and jury of this.
Being convicted of robbery, theft or burglary may completely change your life. If you have plans to go to college, you need to be able to obtain student loans. Having a theft conviction on your record may stop your higher education plans.
The differences between robbery, burglary and theft
Before you begin to try and defend yourself against the charges, you need to know what each one means.
- Theft is the taking of something that belongs to someone without their permission.
- Burglary is more specific. This involves entering a building with the intent to steal.
- Robbery is also a more specific charge. Someone who robs another person uses force to take their property or money.
Each one of these crimes is a felony in Colorado. The penalties may be considerable, involving prison sentences and hefty fines.
Your defenses against theft and burglary charges
After you explained to the police officer that you do not remember committing the crime, this should be considered a defense. Learning about each one of these defenses may keep you out of prison.
Other defenses are being younger than 10; execution of public duty; insanity; a choice of evils; impaired mental condition; duress; involuntary intoxication or entrapment.