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Breckenridge Theft Crime Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Breckenridge CO Theft Crime Attorney?

If you’ve been accused of stealing property, committing burglary, or being involved in any form of theft, a conviction can result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. It can also jeopardize your job, your professional license, housing opportunities, and your immigration status.

Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, early legal intervention can make a big difference in your case. At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we offer free consultations and immediate legal support. You have rights, and we’re here to defend them.

Why Choose Us Over Other Theft Crime Lawyers in Breckenridge?

When you’re facing a theft charge, you need a defense team that knows how to win. Kylie Whitaker and Ehren Penix at Whitaker & Penix, LLC both have experience working in the criminal justice system and as defense attorneys in private practice.

Here’s why so many clients trust Whitaker & Penix, LLC:

Decades of combined experience in Colorado criminal defense
An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Kylie Whitaker named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for Colorado
Kylie Whitaker: Former Assistant District Attorney with 7 years of prosecutorial experience in Breckenridge courts
Ehren Penix: Former criminal prosecutor with 3 years in the DA’s office and 4 years in private practice
Deep familiarity with Summit County prosecutors, courts, and local law enforcement procedures

Accused of Theft?

Your defense starts now. Let Whitaker & Penix, LLC protect your rights and fight for your future. (970) 368-0602

Reasons to Contact a Breckenridge Theft Defense Lawyer Right Away

Theft allegations often move quickly from investigation to arrest. If law enforcement contacts you or you suspect you’re being investigated, it’s critical to get a Breckenridge criminal defense attorney involved immediately.

Do not speak to the police without legal representation. Even if it’s just a misunderstanding, your statements can be used against you.

You should speak to a lawyer right away if:

You’ve been arrested or cited for theft
Police have contacted you for questioning
A store or employer accuses you of stealing
You’ve been charged with burglary, robbery, or any property crime
You’ve been caught shoplifting or detained by store security
You’ve received a summons to appear in court

How an Experieced Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we don’t just stand beside you in court; we take control of your defense. Our Summit County criminal defense lawyers work quickly to protect your rights and build a strategy designed to achieve the best possible result, whether that means dismissal, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal at trial.

Here’s what we do:

Conduct an independent investigation of the alleged incident
Challenge the evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, or inventory records
Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or seek diversion programs
File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
Represent you in court with a focused, aggressive strategy

We also help minimize the long-term consequences of your case, working to protect your criminal record and personal reputation.

Legal Penalties for Theft Crimes in Colorado

In Colorado, theft crimes are charged and penalized based on the value of the property stolen. Penalties range from petty offenses to serious felonies:

Petty Theft (Under $300)
- Class 1 petty offense
- Up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $300
Misdemeanor Theft ($300 – $2,000)
- Class 2 or 1 misdemeanor
- Up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $1,000
Felony Theft (Over $2,000)
- Class 6 to Class 2 felonies
- Possible prison time of 1 to 24 years
- Fines from $1,000 to $1,000,000

Additional charges, such as burglary, robbery, or use of force, can significantly increase penalties. Restitution to victims is also commonly ordered, along with probation, community service, or mandatory counseling.

Life Consequences for a Theft Crime Conviction

Our goal isn’t just to keep you out of jail and protect your future. The long-term consequences of a theft conviction can be devastating:

A permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
Loss of job opportunities or professional licenses
Reputational harm, especially in small towns or tourist areas like Breckenridge
Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens
Ineligibility for student loans, housing assistance, or financial aid
Difficulty traveling internationally

Even a misdemeanor conviction can follow you for years, limiting your options and damaging your credibility. That’s why we fight not just for short-term results, but to protect your future as a whole. Whitaker & Penix, LLC is here to help you move forward with as little damage as possible.

Protect Your Record and Reputation

Contact Whitaker & Penix, LLC now for immediate help with theft charges in Summit County: (970) 368-0602

Theft Crimes in Colorado

We defend clients who are accused of various types of theft crimes in Colorado, including these offenses.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is one of the most common theft charges, often involving tourists or teens. Even small-dollar thefts can lead to criminal records. We fight to keep charges off your record and explore alternatives like diversion programs or deferred judgments.

Burglary

Burglary is defined as entering a structure unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside. This is a felony offense and can carry lengthy prison sentences. We challenge everything, from the alleged intent to the legality of the search and arrest.

Grand Theft Auto

Grand theft auto. Grand theft is intentionally taking another person’s property valued at $2,000 or higher, and auto theft is removing, detaching, or taking any part from an automobile with criminal intent. This felony is prosecuted aggressively in Colorado. We explore all possible defenses, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, or consent to use the vehicle.

Robbery

Robbery means taking property by force or threat. This is a violent felony offense with mandatory prison time if convicted. We build strong, evidence-based defenses to fight for a dismissal or acquittal.

Credit Card Theft

Using or possessing someone else’s card without authorization can lead to felony charges and federal involvement. We defend against identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and credit card fraud.

Theft of Services

Refusing to pay for services like ski rentals, hotel stays, or guided tours can lead to theft charges. These are common in resort towns and often stem from misunderstandings or disputes.

Effective Defense Strategies

Every theft case is different, and at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all strategies. We dig into the details – how the arrest happened, what evidence exists, and what the prosecution is overlooking. Common defenses may include:

Mistaken identity – Eyewitnesses and video footage are often unreliable
Lack of intent – You must have intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property
False accusations – Personal conflicts, workplace disputes, or miscommunication can result in bogus claims
Consent – In some cases, the property was borrowed or shared with the owner's permission
Insufficient evidence – Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt

We also look at how the police handled the investigation. If they violated your rights during a search, questioning, or arrest, we may be able to suppress key evidence.

Sometimes, theft charges stem from misunderstandings or lapses in judgment, and the best outcome is to resolve the case quietly with minimal impact on your record.

We tailor our defense to the facts of your case and your goals, whether that’s avoiding jail time, keeping a clean record, or going to trial for full exoneration. Our role is to push back hard and keep the system from steamrolling your future.

Speak With an Experienced Theft Crime Defense Lawyer in Summit County

If you or someone you love has been charged with a theft crime in Breckenridge or anywhere in Summit County, you don’t have to face it alone. Prosecutors in Colorado take these offenses seriously, and so should you.

Trust the team at Whitaker & Penix, LLC to deliver the legal defense you need. Call (970) 368-0602 to learn more today.

Testimonials From Previous Clients

Our law firm is committed to helping our clients get a second chance. Clients we represented in the past say the following about working with our firm:

I highly recommend Ehren -M. Lamb

“Extremely professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Ehren and his law firm for any legal issues you may be facing.”

Call Kylie! -Skyler A.

“Call Kylie! I felt that she worked hard for my case and took time to explain what she did… and what the best course of action is. She always responded promptly to my calls…5 stars!”

I highly recommend him -K. Kellenberger

“Professional, communicative, and always returning calls promptly. His advice was based on knowledge and experience... I could not have been more pleased. I highly recommend him.”

Other Locations We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m accused of theft in Summit County?

Do not speak to law enforcement or store security without a lawyer present. Even innocent explanations can be used against you. Call Whitaker & Penix, LLC immediately to protect your rights and build a strong defense: (970) 368-0602

What counts as theft under Colorado law?

Theft in Colorado includes taking anything of value without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. This includes physical property, money, services, or even the unauthorized use of someone else’s credit card or vehicle.

Can I be charged with a felony for shoplifting?

Yes. If the value of the items taken exceeds $2,000, you may be facing felony charges, even if it’s your first offense. Charges also escalate for repeat offenses or organized retail theft.

Is it possible to get theft charges dismissed or reduced?

Yes. Depending on your case, we may be able to negotiate dismissal, a reduction in charges, or alternative sentencing like a diversion program. Early legal representation increases your chances of a favorable outcome.

Can I be charged for accidentally taking something?

Intent is a required element in theft cases. If you took something by mistake or didn’t intend to steal, that may be a valid defense. We’ll work to prove the lack of criminal intent.

What if the item was returned? Can I still be charged?

Yes. Returning stolen property may help reduce penalties, but it doesn’t automatically prevent prosecution. Charges can still be filed, and you could still face conviction without a proper legal defense.

Do tourists get treated differently for theft charges in Breckenridge?

No. Out-of-state visitors are held to the same standards and laws. Whitaker & Penix, LLC frequently represents tourists, and we may be able to minimize travel requirements while aggressively defending your case.

What should I do if I’ve already been cited or released with a summons?

Do not ignore it. A summons is a criminal charge, and missing your court date can result in a warrant. Contact our office right away. We can review your citation and prepare your defense before your first court appearance.

Meet Our Breckenridge Theft Defense Attorneys

Ehren Penix

Ehren Penix is a founding partner at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, where he dedicates his practice to defending clients facing serious criminal charges in Breckenridge, Summit County, and across Colorado. With a reputation for meticulous case preparation and fearless advocacy in the courtroom, Ehren is known for delivering strategic, aggressive defense in high-stakes cases where everything is on the line.

Ehren focuses his practice exclusively on criminal law, including complex cases involving sex crimes, child abuse allegations, domestic violence, assault, drug charges, DUI/DWAI, and theft offenses. His background includes handling sensitive matters that demand not just legal precision but discretion, clarity, and a deep understanding of Colorado’s criminal justice system.

With strong ties to the Breckenridge legal community, Ehren understands the local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement procedures. This local insight, combined with his tenacity and tactical approach, makes him a powerful advocate for those facing criminal accusations, whether they're Summit County residents or visitors caught up in unexpected legal trouble.

Kylie Whitaker

Kylie Whitaker is a founding partner at Whitaker & Penix, LLC, where she represents individuals facing serious criminal charges in Summit County and throughout Colorado. Known for her sharp legal instincts and commanding presence in the courtroom, Kylie brings a no-nonsense approach to criminal defense, backed by tireless preparation and a deep commitment to protecting her clients.

Kylie With a deep understanding of Colorado criminal law and local court procedures, Kylie builds defense strategies designed to dismantle the prosecution’s case and secure the best possible outcome, whether that means getting charges dismissed, negotiating favorable terms, or taking the fight to trial.

Clients turn to Kylie not just for her legal ability, but for her honesty, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to their defense. She takes the time to understand the human side of every case, and she doesn’t back down when a client’s future is at stake.