The People of the State of Colorado v. Alma Vidauri

Summary

The court held that, in a theft prosecution involving medical-assistance benefits obtained through false information, the prosecution need not prove the amount of benefits the defendant would have received if she had reported truthfully. Because eligibility does not create an entitlement or property interest before truthful information establishes eligibility, the value of all benefits obtained through the deception was the total amount received. The court therefore reversed the court of appeals and reinstated the class 4 felony theft conviction.