False Information to a Pawnbroker

In Colorado, if you pawn something that isn’t yours or are dishonest about the length of ownership, you can be charged with giving false information to a pawnbroker. C.R.S. 12-56-104(5). In Colorado, this is a class 6 felony charge. This can be a complicated charge, as in some cases, proving that you are the owner of an item may be difficult. Additionally, the law states that you can only be charged with a crime of this kind if you knowingly give false information about a pawned item.

If you have been charged with giving false information to a pawnbroker, one of the best things you can do is hire a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. At Koziel & Lehr Law LLC, we have experience defending clients in situations just like this. We will do everything we can to get your charges reduced or dismissed. The sooner you call our offices, the sooner we can go to work defending you!

According to Colorado Revised Statute 12-56-104(5), the definition of giving false information to a pawnbroker in Colorado is:

Any customer who knowingly gives false information with respect to the information required by section 12-56-103(1) commits a class 6 felony and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-401, C.R.S.

So, if you pawn an item that isn’t yours, you can get a criminal charge. Pawnbrokers have a right to collect your name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, or other proof of identification.

Pawnbrokers can also collect information on the date and time of purchase, an accurate, detailed account of the process of your purchase, and a description of an item. This information may include and is not limited to a trademark, serial number, model number, identification number, or brand name.

Next, a pawnbroker will usually ask for a written declaration or signature of some kind stating that the property you are pawning belongs to you. They may also attach a power of sale. The goal is to establish how an item came to be in your possession. If you found the item or someone else found the item, you may be required to state information on how you found what you are pawning and how long you have had it in your possession.

All of this is to ensure that the property you are pawning was not stolen. If it was stolen, this information may be used to return the item to its rightful owner. These statements and this information will be used to create an electronic record that can be used by the police in a criminal case.

Penalties for False Information to a Pawnbroker in Colorado

Since giving false information to a pawnbroker is a class 6 felony, you could face up to 18 months in the Department of Corrections or pay up to $100,000 in fines. § 18-1.3-401

Moreover, felony charges can make it difficult to find an apartment, a job, and lead your normal life. For this reason, it is best to hire a criminal defense attorney right away. Do not face charges like this on your own. Let a professional false information to a pawnbroker defense lawyer defend you in court.

Allegations of giving false information to a pawnbroker during a pawnshop transaction are felony crimes of dishonesty. Charges related to this crime may have direct and indirect consequences and may be accompanied by other charges as well.

Not only can you be faced with serving jail or prison time, but you could also face the collateral consequences of a theft-related offense if convicted.

This can happen if you are selling something that you feel you have the right to pawn or sell and ownership of that item is disputed.

What are the most common causes of these charges?

False information to a pawnbroker charges may happen unintentionally. If you sell something that you thought was fine to sell, only to find out that someone else has a claim to that item, a police investigation may ensue. This can result in criminal charges.

Examples include:

• Pawning or selling something you obtained while in a relationship
• Selling or pawning something that belongs to a relative
• Attempting to pawn or sell something you found or were given
• Selling or pawning something that you didn’t know was stolen

There are many steps that must be taken to convict a defendant of false information to pawnbroker charges in Colorado. All elements of a charge like this must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The state must prove that you sold or pledged to sell goods to the alleged pawnbroker.

Also, you as the defendant must have knowingly given false verification of ownership of the goods and/or property alleged. Or, you must have given false or altered identification to the pawnshop employee. Usually, money will be exchanged as well.

Yes, a criminal defense attorney can absolutely help you with charges of giving false information to a pawnbroker. Depending on how strong the case against you is, you could have a full defense aiming for results of complete exoneration.

If you have been accused of this crime after pawning or selling items that you didn’t know were stolen, your criminal attorney can focus efforts on the second element in the jury instruction. This means that your attorney will point out that in your scenario, you did not knowingly give false verification of ownership.

Contact Our Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys for False Information to a Pawnbroker Allegations Now

At Koziel & Lehr Law LLC, our team is passionate about zealously advocating for your rights. We will do everything that we can to help you get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. We will look at all of the evidence in your unique case and help you find the best legal strategies to use in Colorado courts. We have years of experience defending clients in Colorado. As such, we know how to navigate the complex legal processes that may lay ahead for you.

By practicing in criminal defense in both Colorado Springs, Denver, and the Denver Metro area, Ms. Koziel and Ms. Lehr have developed a broad understanding of the jurisdictional issues our clients face. We formed Koziel & Lehr Law LLC because we are serious about working collaboratively to achieve the best results for our clients. If you have been faced with charges of giving false information to a pawnbroker in Colorado, don’t wait!

Call Koziel & Lehr Law LLC today at (720) 314-8750 so that we can begin working together to protect you.