Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-506 CRS makes it a class 2 misdemeanor to commit second degree criminal tampering, which is tampering with another person’s property with the intent to injure, annoy, or inconvenience. Penalties for 2nd-degree criminal tampering include up to 120 days in jail and/or up to $750 in fines.

The full text of the statute reads as follows:

CRS 18-4-506. Except as provided in sections 18-4-506.3 and 18-4-506.5, a person commits the crime of second degree criminal tampering if he tampers with property of another with intent to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance to that person or to another or if he knowingly makes an unauthorized connection with property of a utility. Second degree criminal tampering is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Legal Analysis

Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-506 defines “second degree criminal tampering” as tampering with other people’s property with intent to cause any other person:

• injury,
• inconvenience, or
• annoyance.

Second degree criminal tampering also comprises knowingly makes an unauthorized connection with property of a utility.¹ Utilities include companies that provide electric, natural gas, sewer, water, or telecommunications services.

Second degree criminal tampering in Colorado is prosecuted as a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty is:

• Up to 120 days in jail, and/or
• A fine of up to $750.²

CRS 18-4-506 does not include situations involving tampering with material for gathering oil or gas (CRS 18-4-506.3) or tampering with a utility meter (CRS 18-4-506.5).

See our related article on first degree criminal tampering (CRS 18-4-505).

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Legal References