Title
Ordinance No. 14-69 amending Section 401 (Shoplifting Prohibited) of Part 4 (Shoplifting) of Article 6 (Offenses Affecting Property) of Chapter 9 (Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to theft
Body
From:
Chief Peter Carey, Colorado Springs Police Department
Summary:
The proposed ordinance allows for Municipal Court to have jurisdiction over shoplifting and theft cases in which the value of stolen property is less than $2,000.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Existing City Code authorizes the Municipal Court jurisdiction over shoplifting and theft charges in which the value of stolen items is less than $1,000. State law changes in 2013 raised the misdemeanor criminal charge threshold value in theft and shoplifting cases involving stolen property from $1,000 to $2,000. The proposed ordinance amends the City Code to allow the Municipal Court jurisdiction in theft and shoplift cases up to $2,000. Currently individuals charged in the City with misdemeanor shoplift or theft offenses in which the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000 are prosecuted in State court. By increasing the existing stolen property value threshold, the City will be able to write additional misdemeanor level shoplifting and theft cases into Municipal Court instead of sending those cases to State court.
Financial Implications:
To the extent that more people may be sentenced and fined in Municipal Court, this amendment could increase revenue from those fines.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The Colorado Springs Police Department worked with the City Attorney's Office to draft the amended ordinance.
Alternatives:
The City Code section will not be changed.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the ordinance as presented.
Ordinance Language
An ordinance amending City Code to authorize the Municipal Court jurisdiction over shoplifting and theft charges in which the value of stolen items is up to $2,000.