Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

Colorado criminal charge

Tampering with a utility meter in Colorado

class 2 misdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Colorado legislative session

Tampering with a utility meter is a class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado criminal law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-506.5. As a class 2 misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Colorado sets for that offense class. Colorado sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.

Defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-506.5.

What is the penalty for tampering with a utility meter in Colorado?

Penalties for Tampering with a utility meter
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 120 days (no statutory minimum)discretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-501
Fineup to 750 usd (no statutory minimum)discretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-501

Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).

Common questions about tampering with a utility meter in Colorado

Is tampering with a utility meter a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?

Tampering with a utility meter is a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-4-506.5.

What are the penalties for tampering with a utility meter in Colorado?

As a class 2 misdemeanor, tampering with a utility meter carries up to 120 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $750 (no mandatory minimum) under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 (offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271)).

Which Colorado statute covers tampering with a utility meter?

Tampering with a utility meter is governed by C.R.S. § 18-4-506.5 (Tampering with a utility meter - penalty).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.