Source: https://www.shouselaw.com/colorado/possession-burglary-tools.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 23:24:21+00:00

Document:
C.R.S. § 18-4-205 is the Colorado code section that defines the crime of possession of burglary tools. Possession of burglary tools is a criminal offense that occurs when a person intends to use a tool commonly used to break into a business, home, or other place in order to commit a theft.
with the intent to use the thing possessed or with knowledge that some person intends to use the thing possessed in the commission of the offense.
Having these tools in a person's possession is not enough for a conviction of this crime. Typically the offense is charged when a person is where he or she does not belong, which would indicate an intent to commit a theft.
a fine of a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000.
A person also faces the stigma of being labeled a "felon" and all of the collateral consequences that come with it.
no intent to commit a theft existed.
1. What is the offense of possession of burglary tools?
1.1 What must the prosecutor prove to be convicted of possession of burglary tools?
2. What are common "criminal" tools used to charge the offense?
3. Is possessing the "criminal" tool by itself enough to be convicted?
4. What are the penalties for possessing burglary tools?
5. What defenses can I raise against a charge of possessing burglary tools?
6.1 Criminal Trespass, 18-4-502 C.R.S., 18-4-503 C.R.S., 18-4-504 C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 18-4-205 is the Colorado code section that defines the crime of possession of burglary tools.
If the prosecutor fails to prove any of the essential elements of the charge, the defendant is not guilty.
No. Just because a person is in possession of a tool commonly used to commit a theft offense does not mean that a person is guilty of the crime.
working in a position that requires a criminal background check.
Lack of criminal intent is the primary defense used to fight this charge. Simple possession is not enough. The Colorado prosecutor must prove that a person intended to use the tools to commit an offense.
Possession of burglary tools is an offense that is often related to other offenses, like criminal trespass, theft, burglary, and breaking and entering.
6.1 Criminal Trespass 18-4-502 C.R.S., 18-4-503 C.R.S., 18-4-504 C.R.S.
Criminal trespass is an Colorado offense that occurs when a person unlawfully enters or remains on someone else's property. Penalties for criminal trespass in Colorado range from probation to incarceration in a prison for up to three (3) years and a fine up to $100,000.
the person's reason for entering and/or remaining on the property.
If convicted on any of these charges, the person's penalties will be consistent with the type of theft he or she was convicted of.
Burglary is a felony and can result in punishment that includes prison from one to 48 years and a fine between $1,000 and $1,000,000.
aggravated robbery, which is a Colorado class 3 felony and can result in prison of up to 32 years, depending on the circumstances and use of a deadly weapon.
For questions about possession of burglary tool charges or to confidentially discuss your case with one of our skilled Colorado criminal defense attorneys, do not hesitate to contact us.
C.R.S. § 18-4-205. Possession of Burglary Tools.
People v. Ridgeway, 307 P.3d 126 (2013) (stating the jury instructions required for possession of burglary tools).
People v. Chastain, 733 P.2d 1206 (1987) (proof of requisite mens rea required for offense).
C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401. Felonies classified--presumptive penalties.
C.R.S. § 18-4-502. First degree criminal trespass.
C.R.S. § 18-4-503. Second degree criminal trespass.
C.R.S. § 18-4-504. Third degree criminal trespass.
C.R.S. § 18-4-204. Third degree burglary.
C.R.S. § 18-4-203. Second degree burglary.
C.R.S. § 18-4-202. First degree burglary.

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