Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: Found money in the park

Well, the more money it is, the more the District Attorney will think you should turn it in to police for claiming. (We have all found a quarter on the ground and kept it.)

I assume this is more than $1000 and that there is absolutely not markings or identification on the bag or money. If it was found in the park in a paper bag, we can assume that this is drug money or ill-gotten gains of some kind. If it is evidence in a criminal case, you will probably never see it again.

You have a moral obligation to turn the money into the local police department and explain how you found it, where, when etc. They will take your information and keep it for approximately 30 days. If no one has claimed it, then it should be returned to you.

As for a legal obligation, I do not know of one. If you know that the money is stolen, then you could be charged with Theft by Recieving (Felony over $500). The only problem issue is if it is marked, counterfeit etc. If so, and you use it, then the police may look at you as a suspect.