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Washington Animal at Large Attorney

Weber Law Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been charged with Animal at Large? Do not face this charge alone!

While it is enjoyable to own a pet—and they even become a member of the family in some cases—animals have a mind of their own. In Washington, there are laws that you must follow when you own an animal. Not following those laws can have serious consequences, even if it was an accident.

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Washington Animal at Large Charges and Penalties

What does Animal at Large mean?

If any person owning or having custody or control of a mischievous animal, knowing its propensities, willfully suffers it to go at large, or keeps it without ordinary care, and the animal, while so at large, or while not kept with ordinary care, kills or causes serious bodily injury to any human being who has taken all the precautions that the circumstances permitted, or which a reasonable person would ordinarily take in the same situation, is guilty of having an animal at large.

A mischievous animal is an animal that the owner knows could be dangerous, whether it be a wild animal being kept as a pet, like a monkey, or a traditionally domesticated animal such as a dog. An animal who is known to have vicious tendencies or is not safe to have around people who are not the owner, is a mischievous animal.

There are different punishments depending on what the injuries the person suffers are.  An example that most people think of when they hear about an animal at large is a dog getting out of a backyard and biting someone on the street. Another example could be a farmer’s cow gets out of the fenced pasture where it was being kept, a person driving a car hits the cow as it is on the road, and the person driving the car dies from injuries sustained during the accident.

As the definition of the crime can range so widely, it is important to have knowledgeable legal counsel who is familiar with the law and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

 

What is the Punishment?

If the animal kills a person while they are at large, the owner can be charged with a felony which is punishable by imprisonment ranging from sixteen months to three years, a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both.

If the animal injures a person while they are at large, the owner can be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor. The charge depends on the severity of the injuries obtained.  A misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000.00, or both.

As the punishment can vary, it is in your best interest to have an attorney who can advocate for you for the lowest sentence possible.

Even as a Defendant of a Crime, you still have Rights! Make sure yours were not violated!

Even as an individual facing criminal charges, you have rights. It is important to know those rights and make sure that they were not violated in any way when you were arrested or charged.  Without extensive knowledge of your rights when it comes to police searches, Miranda rights, and your rights when it comes to arrest, it is extremely difficult to get a dismissal or reduction of your charges.  Do not try and fight these charges on your own, Weber Law is ready to help you today.

Contact Weber Law immediately if you’ve been arrested on an animal at large charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.

Weber Law Criminal Defense Attorney

"He did everything he could to solve my case. There was no moment where I felt like I was alone. He went to his full extent to help me lower my charges. Great lawyer.”

Weber Law Criminal Defense Attorney

How can you fight a charge of Animal at Large, and how can Weber Law help?

If you have been cited for animal at large in Washington, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By looking at potential evidence such as your pet’s inoculation and veterinary care record, ways to potentially limit your animal’s exposure to being impounded in the future, and not knowing that your animal had vicious tendencies, Weber Law can defend you. At Weber Law we are experienced in defending these charges, winning these cases, and getting your pet back home to you. If you or anyone you know has been cited for animal at large in the State of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation. 

WA ST § 16.60.075, Damages by breachy animals
WA ST § 9A.20.021, Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after

Weber Law Criminal Defense Attorney

A Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

Weber Law will aggressively fight for your rights. Contact us today!

We believe that justice is an idea that can triumph only when living people make it so. We are dedicated to justice. We wish to run a business that is at once profitable while allowing us to promote the rights of our fellow community members. We will stand for the poor when they are in need and their cause is just. We will work for any responsible business. We will represent all races, creeds, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

Office Address:

810 3rd Avenue Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98104 

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