Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission is charged as Criminal Trespassing in Castle Rock and Douglas County. When you take it a step further and take something – Theft – then you can face Burglary charges. A man is facing all three criminal charges after stealing some meatballs. According to the report, the man is accused of entering into a garage and taking a pot of meatballs. The man was seen near the property with red sauce all over his face, leading to his arrest. I don’t know why the meatballs were left in the garage, but I think the lesson to learn here is you should never leave your meatballs unattended. 

First Degree Criminal Trespass in Douglas County 

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of First Degree Criminal Trespass – C.R.S. 18-4-502 – is:  

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A person commits the crime of first degree criminal trespass if such person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a dwelling of another or if such person enters any motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime therein."

Because the man entered the garage, technically part of the home, without permission, he is facing this class 5 felony. 

Theft Defense Attorney in Highlands Ranch and Parker 

Theft, found under C.R.S. 18-4-401, is defined as taking something of value with the intent of never giving it back. Because the man allegedly took and ate the meatballs – clearly not planning to give them back, he was charged with this crime. Likely, the value of the meatballs is under $50, so the level of Theft that would be charged is a petty offense. 

Castle Rock 2nd Degree Burglary Definition 

In Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker, Second Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-203 – is defined as: 

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A person commits second degree burglary, if the person knowingly breaks an entrance into, enters unlawfully in, or remains unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit therein a crime against another person or property."

If it is a burglary of a dwelling, 2nd Degree Burglary is a class 3 felony, punishable by a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections. That’s a pretty steep price for taking some meatballs from an open garage. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with Trespassing, Theft, or Burglary, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future. 

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