I'm Al Rowland, a former prosecutor. I defend theft and fraud cases throughout Gilpin County, including Black Hawk, Central City, Rollinsville, and the Nederland area.
Theft and Fraud Charges in Gilpin County
Theft cases are prosecuted by the First Judicial District Attorney at the Gilpin Combined Court, with some lower-level matters in the Black Hawk or Central City municipal courts. Fraud-related charges, such as identity theft, forgery, and financial-transaction crimes, often involve longer investigations and paper-heavy evidence.
Colorado Theft Value Tiers at a Glance
| Value of property | Classification |
|---|---|
| Less than $50 | Petty offense |
| $50 to less than $300 | Class 3 misdemeanor |
| $300 to less than $1,000 | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| $1,000 to less than $2,000 | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| $2,000 to less than $5,000 | Class 6 felony |
| $5,000 to less than $20,000 | Class 5 felony |
| $20,000 to less than $100,000 | Class 4 felony |
| $100,000 to less than $1,000,000 | Class 3 felony |
| $1,000,000 or more | Class 2 felony |
Source: C.R.S. 18-4-401. A small difference in valuation can change a felony into a misdemeanor.
Property and Equipment Theft in Rural Gilpin County
In Rollinsville, the Nederland area, and other unincorporated parts of the county, theft cases investigated by the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office often involve tools, vehicles, firewood, or equipment at remote properties. Ownership disputes, informal borrowing arrangements, and unclear property lines are common. What looks like theft is often a civil disagreement.
Restitution, Diversion, and Sealing Your Record
Many theft cases can be resolved without a conviction through restitution-based agreements, diversion, or deferred judgments. Afterward, sealing may remove the case from public view. I pursue the path that protects your record and your reputation.
Gilpin County Theft & Fraud: Common Questions
At what dollar amount does theft become a felony in Colorado?
Theft of property worth $2,000 or more is generally a felony in Colorado. Below that amount, theft is typically a petty offense or misdemeanor.
Can several small thefts be combined into one felony?
Yes. Prosecutors can aggregate thefts committed within a certain period into a single, higher-level charge. That aggregation can be challenged.
What's the difference between theft and embezzlement?
Colorado treats embezzlement as a form of theft. It typically involves property you were entrusted with, such as an employer's funds, and it's graded by value in the same way.