Colorado § 35-43-117 - Use of false brand - damages.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 35-43-117 — Use of false brand - damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-43-117. Use of false brand - damages.
A person who brands or marks, or causes to be branded or marked, an animal that is the property of another with the person's brand or a brand that is not the recorded brand of the owner or effaces, defaces, or obliterates a brand or mark upon an animal is guilty of theft and, upon conviction thereof, is liable to the owner of the animal for three times the value of the animal so branded or marked or upon which the brand or mark has been effaced, defaced, or obliterated. Payment of the forfeiture provided in this section does not entitle the person so branding, effacing, defacing, or obliterating a brand to the property right in the animal so branded or upon which the brand was effaced, defaced, or obliterated, but such animal shall be surrendered to the proper owner.
Source: G.L. § 2582. G.S. § 3177. R.S. 08: § 6368. C.L. § 3136. CSA: C. 160, § 20. CRS 53: § 8-2-17. C.R.S. 1963: § 8-2-17. L. 73: p. 1395, § 4. L. 2025: Entire section amended, (HB 25-1084), ch. 24, p. 127, § 114, effective August 6.
ANNOTATION
Criminal intent will be presumed upon proof of use of false brand, although the defendant may show that he acted in good faith and with innocent motives. Bradley v. People, 8 Colo. 599, 9 P. 783 (1885).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 35-43-117
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 35-43-117 cover?
Section 35-43-117 ("Use of false brand - damages.") 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 § 35-43-117?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 35-43-117" (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 § 35-43-117 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.