Residents of Colorado can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if they vandalize property. There are different forms of this type of crime. What is vandalism? Vandalism is an offense that involves the defacing of property. This can occur through damage or...
Differences in robbery, theft and burglary
Many people in Colorado use the words burglary, robbery and theft synonymously. While they are all property offenses, different elements apply from a legal standpoint. Burglary Burglary is the illegal entry into a structure or dwelling with the intent to commit a...
The crime of “criminal mischief” in Colorado
Criminal mischief sounds as though it is a minor charge of little damage when it is filed, but the truth is it can be a very serious legal matter in some instances in Colorado. The name sounds as though it is a minor legal matter, but the name is a general description...
What are the components of burglary?
If you live in Colorado, you may benefit from learning more about how the state identifies the components of burglary. Under common law, burglary is generally defined as the unlawful entry into almost a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. Like many states,...
Does a person need intent when trespassing?
Trespassing is a common crime, and sometimes people may not even recognize it. Common trespassing concerns in Boulder, Colorado, include kids cutting through a yard or a person hitting golf balls into a neighbor's yard. Actions like these amount to trespass to land....
What’s considered defacing property in Colorado?
Property damage can be devastating for Colorado home and business owners as well as for state agencies. The perpetrators may not think that it is such a big deal, but law enforcement takes it seriously, however. What does it mean to deface property? By law, anyone who...
Burglary is among the property crimes not always involving theft
If you are a loyal watcher of crime TV shows, you might understand burglary to involve someone breaking, entering and stealing. However, Colorado law takes a different view of property crimes that does not always equate burglary to theft. What is theft? The law...
What are some common types of arson?
Arson is a serious crime that usually causes major property damage and injuries to homeowners and firefighters. While not as common as other crimes, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 4% of fires in the nation in 2019 were intentional. Arsonists may...
Two vandalism incidents in Colorado in the news
Accounts of vandalism often break into the news when these property crimes inflict damage to public facilities or when they involve a high degree of visibility. The reasons behind the crimes sometimes remain unknown indefinitely. Two recent vandalism incidents in...
What is the difference between robbery and burglary?
Like many people, you may think that robbery and burglary are two words used to describe the same crime. FindLaw explains, however, that these are two different crimes for which the prosecutor must prove different things in order to convict you. Robbery Colorado law...