Colorado § 18-4-417 - Unlawful acts - theft detection devices.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-417 — Unlawful acts - theft detection devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4-417. Unlawful acts - theft detection devices.
(1) (a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture, distribute, or sell a theft detection shielding device or a theft detection deactivating device with the knowledge that some person intends to use the device in the commission of an offense involving theft.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to possess a theft detection shielding device or a theft detection deactivating device with the intent to use the device possessed, or with the knowledge that some person intends to use the device possessed, in the commission of an offense involving theft.
(c) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly deactivate or remove a theft detection device or any component thereof in any store or mercantile establishment without authorization prior to purchase.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) "Theft detection deactivating device" means any tool, instrument, mechanism, or other article adapted, designed, engineered, used, or operated to inactivate, incapacitate, or remove a theft detection device without authorization. "Theft detection deactivating device" includes, but is not limited to, jumper wires, wire cutters, and electronic article surveillance removal devices.
(b) "Theft detection device" means an electronic or magnetic mechanism, machine, apparatus, tag, or article designed and operated for the purpose of detecting the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a store or mercantile establishment.
(c) "Theft detection shielding device" means any tool, instrument, mechanism, or article adapted, designed, engineered, used, or operated to avoid detection by a theft detection device during the commission of an offense involving theft. "Theft detection shielding device" includes, but is not limited to, foil-lined or otherwise modified clothing, bags, purses, or containers capable of and for the sole purpose of avoiding detection devices.
(3) Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: L. 2001: Entire section added, p. 512, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2012: (2)(a) and (2)(c) amended, (HB 12-1304), ch. 237, p. 1050, § 3, effective May 29. L. 2021: (3) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3177, § 209, effective March 1, 2022.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in the 2012 act amending subsections (2)(a) and (2)(c), see section 1 of chapter 237, Session Laws of Colorado 2012.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-4-417
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-417 cover?
Section 18-4-417 ("Unlawful acts - theft detection devices.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-4-417?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-417" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-4-417 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.