Grand Theft Auto & Aggravated Motor Theft

Colorado does recognize aggravated motor vehicle theft (Grand Theft Auto) as a distinct crime. Under section 18-4-409 of Colorado’s Criminal Code (C.R.S.), someone who steals a car and keeps it for more than 24 hours is guilty of aggravated motor vehicle theft.

Aggravated motor vehicle theft can be classified as:

• First degree aggravated motor vehicle theft: This offense involves theft of a car worth between $20,000 and $100,000. Depending on the car’s value, first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft can be a class 3,4 o 5 felony.
• Second degree aggravated motor vehicle theft: If the stolen car was worth between $1,000 and $20,000, the offense might be considered a Class 5 or 6 felony. If the car was worth less than $1,000, the offense is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Facing Theft Charges? Don’t Wait to Act!

If you have been charged with a theft crime, you could be facing a possible felony charge. If you have a criminal offense on your record that amounts to a felony, you could find yourself having trouble finding employment, securing loans, and applying for educational institutions. Given the potentially dire collateral consequences of a theft felony charge, you should consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in Denver who has experience handling theft charges.

At Trial Lawyers & Legal Services of Colorado, LLC, we have committed years of our practice to defending Denver residents against various criminal charges, including theft crimes. We are passionate about protecting your due process right to receive a fair criminal proceeding.

Grand Larceny Laws in Colorado

Grand larceny/theft in Colorado belongs to one of the following felony classifications depending on the corresponding value of the stolen property:

• Class 6 Felony: Between $2,000 and $5,000.
• Class 5 Felony: Between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Class 4 Felony: Between $20,000 and $100,000.
• Class 3 Felony: Between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
• Class 2 Felony: Exceeds $1,000,0000.

What is Grand Larceny?

Many states recognize a separate crime for “grand theft” or “grand larceny” which involves the theft of property amounting to a certain value. For example, in California, the crime of “grand theft” involves taking property exceeding $950 in value.

Grand Larceny Punishment

Grand larceny/theft penalties:

• Class 6 Felony: Up to 1.5 years in jail & $100k in fines + 1 year mandatory parole
• Class 5 Felony: Up to 3 years in jail & $100k in fines + 2 years mandatory parole
• Class 4 Felony: Up to 6 years in jail & $500k in fines + 3 years mandatory parole
• Class 3 Felony: Up to 12 years in jail & $750k in fines + 5 years mandatory parole
• Class 2 Felony: Up to 24 years in jail & $1 million in fines + 5 years mandatory parole

Theft is one of the oldest crimes in civilization. From the ancient commandment “thou shalt not steal” to the British common law concept of larceny, stealing another person’s property is inherently wrong according to society.

Our legal team at Trial Lawyers & Legal Services of Colorado, LLC has years of experience handling theft crimes, including grand theft offenses. Our clients have grown to trust our ability to fight for their best interests, and so can you.