Washington Theft of a Motor Vehicle Lawyer
Have you been charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle? Let us help you today!
In Washington, being charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle can come with hefty fines and a record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
Washington Theft of a Motor Vehicle Charges and Penalties
What is the Statute?
he statute which creates the crime of theft of a motor vehicle is RCW 9A.56.065.
A person is guilty of theft of a motor vehicle if he or she commits theft of a motor vehicle.
“Theft” means:
1. To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services;
2. By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
3. To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.
Defense to the Charge of Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
In any prosecution for theft, it shall be a sufficient defense that the property or service was appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title made in good faith, even though the claim be untenable.
Making or Possessing Motor Vehicle Theft Tools
A person who commits motor vehicle theft could also be charged with making or possessing motor vehicle theft tools.
A person is guilty of making or possessing motor vehicle theft tools if he or she makes or mends, or causes to be made or mended, uses, or has in his or her possession any motor vehicle theft tool, that is adapted, designed, or commonly used for the commission of motor vehicle related theft, under circumstances evincing an intent to use or employ, or allow the same to be used or employed, in the commission of motor vehicle theft, or knowing that the same is intended to be so used, is guilty of making or having motor vehicle theft tools.
Motor vehicle theft tool includes, but is not limited to, the following: Slim jim, false master key, master purpose key, altered or shaved key, trial or jiggler key, slide hammer, lock puller, picklock, bit, nipper, any other implement shown by facts and circumstances that is intended to be used in the commission of a motor vehicle related theft, or knowing that the same is intended to be so used.
Making or having motor vehicle theft tools is a gross misdemeanor.
What is the Punishment?
Theft of a motor vehicle is a class B felony. A class B felony is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a maximum term of not more than 10 years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more $20,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.
A person who commits motor vehicle theft may also be sued in a civil action. RCW 9A.56.078(1) provides that “[a] person who is deprived of his or her motor vehicle because of a violation of RCW 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, 9A.56.070, or 9A.56.075 may file an action in superior court against the perpetrator for the recovery of actual damages, limited to the value of any damage to the vehicle and any property stolen from the vehicle, civil damages of up to five thousand dollars, and the costs of the suit, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.”
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 a theft of a motor vehicle charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.
"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.”
How can you fight it?
If you have been cited for Theft of a Motor Vehicle 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 jail time, making sure the charge does not go on your record, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By looking at potential evidence such as security cameras, and eyewitness testimony, Weber Law will make sure to look at all the details of your case. At Weber Law, we are experienced in defending these types of charges, winning these types of cases, and getting you back to everyday life. If you or anyone you know has been cited with Theft of a Motor Vehicle in the state of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
RCW 9A.56.065 – Theft of motor vehicle
RCW 9A.56.020 – Theft – Definition, defense
RCW 9A.56.063 – Making or possessing motor vehicle theft tools
RCW 9A.56.078 – Motor vehicle crimes – Civil action
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