Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: Theft

You, or your attorney, or both of you, will be advised by a judge or magistrate of the charges against you, and of your rights (such as right to an attorney, right to speedy trial, and what happens if you give up those rights, for example by pleading guilty).

You will be given an opportunity to speak with the district attorney to talk about a plea bargain (an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for dismissal of the more serious charge), or possibly an outright dismissal of all charges.

You, or your attorney, will then decide to plead guilty, or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you may well be sentenced immediately, or a sentencing hearing may be scheduled, depending on the level of the theft charge (petty, misdemeanor, or felony).

If you have been jailed on the charge, you or your attorney will ask that bail be set, or lowered, or that you be released on your own recognizance.

That's about it. If you plead not guilty, a further court date will be set, usually for a pre-trial conference with the district attorney, which gives you and your attorney more time to negotiate a plea and prepare for your trial.

Good luck.