Colorado Springs Criminal Law Blog

Colorado law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in Colorado auto thefts - not of entire vehicles, but of certain parts that may contain valuable metals and other materials, according to a recent news report from KKTV. The parts most often targeted are catalytic converters, which contain platinum and other metals that can often be scrapped for money - and some scrapyards don’t ask where a person got their hands on the things they’re turning in.

A southern Colorado auto repair shop noted that many new customers have come through its doors recently needing a new catalytic converter installed on their vehicles because the old one had been cut away. Most vehicles have between one and four catalytic converters. These devices improve the quality of exhaust emissions by turning some toxic chemicals into less harmful ones. When they are simply cut away from the vehicle’s exhaust system, however, they can cause problems with the vehicle’s ability to run, including a great deal of noise. Repairing a catalytic converter can be expensive, and if a vehicle is kept outdoors, there are few ways to ensure its safety.

Every person accused of a theft crime in Colorado has legal rights, including the right to an experienced Colorado theft crime defense lawyer to help them fight their case in court. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we’re dedicated to fighting to protect the rights of every person we represent, while also building an aggressive defense that seeks the best possible outcome in each case. For a free and confidential consultation, don’t hesitate to call us today at (719) 475-2555.

The number of robberies reported in Colorado in 2010 was lower than the number reported in 2009, according to data collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The 2010 robbery rate, or number of robberies per 100,000 Colorado residents, also decreased in 2010. However, the number of other types of thefts, including burglary and larceny, increased overall in 2010 but had only a small impact on the rate of these crimes per 100,000 people.

In 2009, 3,310 robberies were reported in Colorado, while 3,131 robberies were reported in 2010, a decrease of 5.4 percent, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. These numbers represent 65.1 robberies per 100,000 residents in 2009 and 60.1 robberies per 100,000 residents in 2010, or a decrease in the robbery rate of 6.8 percent. Robberies differ from other thefts because they typically involve violence, like assault, or the threat of violence, such as the use of a dangerous weapon.

In these same years, the number of burglaries reported went up by 0.5 percent (from 25,647 in 2009 to 25,769 in 2010), but the number of burglaries per 100,000 people actually dropped, due to changes in population during those years. Only larcenies went up both in the number of thefts reported and the number divided by 100,000 residents - but both increases were less than 3 percent.

Theft crimes are among the most common crimes in the U.S., but the type of theft charges depend on the facts of each case. If you have been charged with theft in Colorado, the experienced Colorado Springs theft defense attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help. Call us today at 719-475-2555 for a free and confidential consultation.

A married couple from Aurora, Colorado, has been accused to stealing as much as $140,000 from state workers’ compensation funds after the husband was injured in a workplace accident in 2008, according to an article in Insurance and Financial Advisor.

The man, who worked for a roofing company, was injured when he fell from a ladder that year. He received workers’ compensation payments to cover medical care and lost wages. His doctors informed him he was fully functional and could go back to work in 2009, but the man instead began to allegedly complain of ever-worsening symptoms and eventually began appearing at doctor’s appointments, accompanied by his wife, reportedly with symptoms of catatonia. However, investigators claim that they recorded video of the man driving and shopping during the same time period in which he and his wife were telling doctors that he was catatonic. He is also suspected to have passed a driving test during this same period, when both he and his wife were telling insurers that he was totally unable to function.

The Attorney General has accused both people with eighteen counts of theft in Colorado. If convicted, both the husband and the wife face up to $750,000 in fines and 12 years in prison.

Theft charges in Colorado come with a wide range of penalties if the accused person is convicted, but even a so-called “minor” theft charge can have serious consequences. If you have been charged with theft, experienced Colorado theft defense lawyer Timothy Bussey can help protect your legal rights while fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. To learn more, call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today at 719-475-2555 for a confidential consultation.

Recently, retail stores along Colorado’s interstate highways have been hit by alleged shoplifting rings, often authorities believe involve drug gangs, according to TheDenverChannel.com. Reportedly, these organized criminals shoplift from store after store, often using much more elaborate methods as compared to the everyday Colorado theft.

Several people, or teams, allegedly enter the stores and work together to completely clear the shelves of everyday products, such as aspirin and baby formula. Store surveillance cameras have recorded a woman filling a baby stroller with baby formula and then putting a blanket over it; another captures a team of women loading a shopping cart.

Supposedly, most of these stolen goods end up being sold on the Internet. A 7News reporter notes that there are multiple websites where consumers can purchase baby formula other than an official distributor. Some stores are labeling their products with special stickers to designate where they came from.

These alleged shoplifting rings pose a big problem to U.S. retailers, and reportedly cost them approximately $35 billion annually. Although there has not yet been any impact on national food prices, industry officials predict an inevitable increase.

Shoplifting is typically committed on a much smaller scale and often out of desperation, necessity, or by mistake. Taking an item, concealing it inside a purse, pocket or jacket, and then leaving without paying for it is the most common method of shoplifting. Colorado statute 18-4-406 states that “[if] any person willfully conceals unpurchased goods, wares, or merchandise owned or held by and offered or displayed for sale by any store... such concealment constitutes prima facie evidence that the person intended to commit the crime of theft.” If theft was not the intent, it would need to be proven in order to dismiss charges.

Shoplifting, on a small scale or a larger one, can carry serious penalties, depending on the value of the supposedly stolen items. But regardless of the product value, if you have been charged with shoplifting in Colorado, you will need the help of an experienced Colorado Springs shoplifting attorney to ensure that your legal rights are not violated. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., can help provide you with the defense to fight for the best possible outcome of your case. Contact us today at 719-475-2555 for a free initial consultation.

The Colorado Springs theft defense attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., a Colorado Springs criminal defense law firm, are proud to announce the debut of their new Colorado theft website, http://www.coloradospringstheftattorneys.com/. Visitors to the Colorado theft website will find helpful, informative, and easy to navigate pages relating to armed robbery, auto theft, burglary, check forging, embezzlement, extortion, grand theft, identity theft, petty theft, receipt stolen property, robbery, shoplifting, and white collar crimes. The new Colorado theft website also provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) about theft as well as access to The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.’s FAQ Video Library Center, Criminal Law Information Center, and DUI Information Center.

Theft crimes are not as simple as one might think. To help website visitors better understand the complex laws surrounding various theft crimes in Colorado, the theft website addresses examples and types of certain theft crimes as well as the potential penalties an individual may face if they are convicted. The site also highlights some of the options a person has when they are arrested for a particular theft crime in Colorado.

By explaining Colorado law as it pertains to theft crimes, the new site provides invaluable resources and information to help individuals understand their legal rights and possible options for defense. Being accused of a theft crime in Colorado can be an intimidating experience. However, the more a person knows about the legalities surrounding their specific situation, the better their chances are of resolving the problem as soon as possible and in a manner that allows them to move on with their life and clear their good name.

To learn more about Colorado theft crimes and the laws relating to them, visit http://www.coloradospringstheftattorneys.com/. If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a theft crime in Colorado, contact a Colorado theft crime defense lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today at 719-475-2555 for a free consultation.

The Denver Post reports the story of a man who was recently arrested and believed to be an alleged serial burglar by Eagle County police, who used Facebook to help them find and then arrest the man.

Using the man’s Facebook friends, police were able to trace him to Boulder, where he was celebrating the New Year holiday. On the popular social networking site, users are able to restrict access to their list of friends, which includes their names and the ability to contact them. However, the man did not set those privacy controls, which allowed police to contact the man’s 120 online friends, and warned them not to shelter him. They also asked that if anyone knew of his whereabouts to contact them, and many of the man’s friends responded with tips, and one friend reported recently seeing him.

Now the man is in the Eagle County jail, held without bond. He is accused of breaking into at least four homes in Eagle-Vail, where he allegedly stole computers, various electronics, jewelry, and prescription medications. He is also being investigated for more than seven felony crimes in Colorado, including theft, identity theft, burglary, and possession of burglary tools.

According to Eagle police Sgt. Gordon Chicoine, Eagle police use Facebook frequently to obtain information about suspects in an investigation. He says many make incriminating posts on the social networking site. A recent survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that the law enforcement’s use of social networking sites has become more common. Approximately 62 percent of the 728 agencies surveyed used social media sites in criminal investigations, and about 40 percent of the agencies use these sites to ask for tips in criminal investigations.

If you have been charged with a theft crime in Colorado, it is important to remember you have legal rights. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what options are available to you and explain the accusations that you have been charged with. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. our Colorado theft defense attorneys have handled many criminal law cases, including charges of theft and burglary. Contact us today by calling 719-475-2555 to schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case.

A local convenience store clerk stopped two would-be robbers recently, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. Instead of handing over the store's money as ordered, the clerk grabbed the large stick carried by one of the two suspects. Surprised, the pair fled the convenience store without taking anything or harming the clerk.

The suspected robbers, both freshmen at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, were arrested after an officer pulled their vehicle over for weaving between lanes on Nevada Road. The convenience store clerk identified them as the men she had chased out of the convenience store. Both men are being held on charges for attempted aggravated robbery and conspiracy, both of which are felonies in Colorado. They have also been banned from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs campus, pending a decision by the university administrators on whether they should be suspended.

Being accused of a Colorado crime, especially one that is a felony, can result in life-altering consequences, even if a person is not convicted for the offense. If you or a loved one has been accused of theft or conspiracy in Colorado, an experienced Colorado Springs theft defense attorney can help guide you through the confusing and often intimidating legal process.

Continue reading "Convenience Store Clerk Foils Attempted Robbery" »

According to a CBS News report, a man had his iPad stolen at a mall in Denver and had his finger ripped off by his assailant in the process. The man was shopping in a Denver mall and picked up a new Apple iPad for a coworker who had just received a promotion. He tied the iPad bag around his hand. Apparently, two men on an escalator followed him from the mall out to the parking garage. They were caught on a surveillance video. Jordan felt a sharp pull at his arm and saw a man trying to grab his bag. The man jerked on the bag violently until the skin from the man’s hand came off and the bag was released.

The man went into shock and he was rushed to a hand surgeon; however, the report mentions that his hand is permanently damaged. The man claims that he moved his family to Colorado from New Jersey to escape the crime in New Jersey. The police are investigating the incident.

Being accused of a theft crime in Colorado, especially when battery or physical harm is invovled, is not something to be taken lightly. Under Colorado law, robbery as a theft offense occurs when a person knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats or intimidation. Robbery is a felony in Colorado and can impose several life-changing consequences upon an individual who is convicted.

If you or someone you know is charged with robbery or any other theft crime, you need an experienced Colorado defense attorney who will work hard for your rights and for an acquittal. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys understand the ins and outs of criminal cases involving multiple charges. We will ensure that all our clients are provided a strong defense to help them obtain a successful outcome with their case. For more information about how The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help you with your case, call (719) 475-2555 to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

Colorado Springs was hit by 134 robberies in the last two months, according to an article in the Gazette on February 2, 2010. Police stated that 82 reported robberies occurred in January and 52 in December. Most of the robberies occurred at small businesses, fast food restaurants and banks throughout the city. Police have made arrests in 42 of the 134 cases. Officials believe that the spree is merely an anomalous spike rather than an overall trend of increasing crime.

“Crime trending is not done month-to-month, rather it’s done over several years,” stated a police spokesman. He also pointed out that the theft rate has gone down in the last few years, indicating that there were 608 reported robberies in 2006 and 530 in 2009.

Theft charges in Colorado are categorized as petty theft or grand theft, depending on the value of the items stolen. Without the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, one runs the risk of being convicted of serious charges. If you, or a family member, have been accused of a robbery in Colorado, you need an experienced Colorado criminal defense theft attorney to help build a strong defense on your behalf.

Continue reading "Colorado Springs Hit by Robbery Spree" »

According to the site timescall.com, a composite sketch of a robbery suspect was recently released in hope that someone may recognize the suspect and furnish police with information that may lead to that suspect’s arrest. The suspect in question is sought in connection to a robbery that occurred at a Subway restaurant located on the 1800 block of Hover Street in Longmont. Police detectives are still investigating the incident, and are seeking help from the public.

According to Colorado Law Enforcement Agency Uniform Crime Reports, there were a total of 3,365 occurrences of robbery in 2008. Burglaries occurred on a more regular basis, with numbers totaling 28,256. Although both of these numbers were slightly down from 2007 figures, instances of theft and robbery crimes are still prevalent in Colorado. Per 100,000 inhabitants in 2008, there were 68.1 instances of robbery, and 572 instances of theft. Both numbers indicate that there is a definite need for experienced defense attorneys in the state of Colorado.

Continue reading "Longmont Subway Sandwich Suspect Steals Cash, Sketch Released" »

Golden, Colorado police are investigating a robbery committed by two bandana-wearing suspects. According to an NBC news, channel 9 report, a woman told police that two men broke into her house and forced her into a closet before robbing her. The men were described by the woman, although facial descriptions were lacking because of the bandanas that each man wore. According to investigating officials, the suspects took cash and medical marijuana from the home, leading police to believe that the two robbers were aware of the marijuana’s presence and, therefore, probably know the woman.

Robbery crimes can be problematic. Unless stolen merchandise is found to be in an individual’s possession, it is often difficult to declare that a certain individual, particularly one that supposedly knows the victim, is in fact guilty of robbery. In the above mentioned case, if the woman does in fact know the two men responsible for the alleged crime, then there may be physical evidence of the two men present in the home. However, such evidence does not support the robbery per se, only that the individuals (whom she may have previously welcomed into her home) were present in the house at some point.

Continue reading "Closet Caper Leaves Woman Robbed" »

According to NBC news affiliate KUSA-TV, channel 9, police are looking for an individual that robbed a liquor store. Reportedly, the thief asked the clerk if he could make change of a $20 bill and then proceeded to rob the establishment once the cash register drawer was open. Surveillance footage from the scene of the crime shows the man to be Caucasian, wearing a long black coat, large dark sunglasses, and a white hat. Police investigating the case hope that the footage and description may spark someone’s memory, and lead to further information about the whereabouts of this man or his identity; possibly aiding the investigation process and leading to an arrest in the case.

While releasing surveillance footage and suspect descriptions to the general public is a useful tool that can assist police investigations, false accusations are certainly a concern for individuals that even remotely fit the description of the suspect shown in the surveillance footage. While your average citizen would be more than willing to assist in a police investigation if it meant an arrest would more than likely be made, such general public assistance is not always accurate. Public help can ultimately be little more than an attempt to assist law enforcement even though the information being relayed is nothing more than speculation.

Continue reading "Liquor Store Thief Keeps the Change" »

The Denver Daily News recently reported that a 35-year-old man was charged with burglary and criminal trespassing after attempting to flee from an east Denver home. Though witnesses did not see the man enter the home, residents of the home did see the man climbing out of a bedroom window before fleeing on foot. No property was reported to have been taken.

According to the report, the residents of the home returned to their house one evening to discover that lights were turned on inside the residence. The residents had not left the lights on when they had originally left the house, so they grew suspicious and called police. While waiting for police to arrive, the residents witnessed the man leaving the premises through the window. Police soon apprehended the man near the scene of the crime.

It was determined that the man had rifled through clothing drawers and piled underwear on a bed. The man now faces second-degree burglary and first-degree criminal trespass charges. Though more specific details of this case were not released, particularly the would-be burglar’s state of mind, it can be inferred that some sort of mental health issue may have played a role in his actions. It was not reported that the man took anything from the residence, so it would appear as though he simply ransacked the home and then decided to flee the scene. Numerous issues will undoubtedly be brought to light in his criminal defense case.

Continue reading "Alleged Burglar Ransacks Denver Home" »

Colorado Springs Police have arrested two men on suspicion of theft and various traffic violations. According to this KOAA news report, motorcycle officers tried to make a traffic stop on a Hyundai for a defective windshield. However, the car driver did not stop, ran a stop sign and then crashed into a retaining wall while trying to turn into an alley, police said. Police pursued the driver and a passenger on foot and arrested them. The car was stolen, the report says. The driver of the car faced theft charges, multiple traffic charges and had three outstanding felony warrants. The passenger was served and released on theft charges, the report states.

Theft charges in Colorado are usually categorized into petty theft and grand theft – depending on the value of the items stolen. In cases where it involves auto theft, it will most likely be a felony charge. Traffic charges can also land you in quite a bit of trouble. If you are a repeat traffic offender, you run the risk of your license being suspended or revoked.

Continue reading "Colorado Springs Police Arrest Two for Theft, Traffic Violations" »

Police in Denver have arrested a man on suspicion of theft. He is accused of stealing expensive wines from several area liquor stores and then selling them on an Internet auction site. According to an article in The Colorado Springs Gazette, an undercover operation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department led to the recovery of 85 bottles of wine from the man’s home. One of the wine bottles had a reported value of $3,000. Police have not yet released the name of the suspect.

Officials say the man sold more than $21,000 worth of wine in three weeks online using an auction site called Winecommune.com. He may have sold the wine using other Web sites too, police say.

Grand theft and felony burglary in Colorado are serious charges. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer protecting your rights, you are running the risk of being convicted on those charges. A conviction could result in hefty fines and penalties, probation or worse, lengthy jail time. A theft or burglary conviction could have disastrous consequences on your personal life and career. It could jeopardize future job prospects. You could lose your business or professional license and the conviction could go on your permanent record.

Please do not let this happen to you. If you or a loved one has been accused of theft, larceny or burglary, please call the Law Office of Timothy Bussey for a free consultation. We will fight for your legal rights and represent your side of the story. Our Colorado theft attorneys will work hard to obtain a favorable disposition for your case. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and help you navigate a tough and complicated judicial system. Call us today to get the help and guidance you need.