Washington Theft Attorney
Have you been charged with Theft in Washington? Find out what you need to do next.
In Washington, if you are being prosecuted for theft, you could be facing a variety of penalties including jail time, a permanent record, and hefty fines. It can be stressful and scary to have criminal charges pending. You need someone on your side to help you navigate the system. Do not let one mistake or blemish on your record follow you for the rest of your life. Being convicted of theft can have an impact on potential jobs, your current job, or even obtaining an apartment to rent. Let Weber Law help you keep your record clean.
Washington Theft Charges and Penalties
What is Theft?
Theft is defined by wrongfully obtaining or exerting 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; or by color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or to appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property of services.
There are different degrees of Theft in Washington.
A person is guilty of theft in the first degree when he or she commits theft of (a) property or services which exceed(s) $5,000.00, that is not a firearm or motor vehicle; (b) a search and rescue dog; or (c) commercial metal property, nonferrous metal property, or private metal property, and the costs of the damage to the owner’s property exceed $5,000.00 in value.
A person is guilty of theft in the second degree when he or she commits theft of (a) property or services which exceed(s) $750.00, other than a firearm or motor vehicle; (b) a public record, writing, or instrument kept, filed, or deposited according to the law with or in the keeping of any public office or public servant; (c) Commercial metal property, nonferrous metal property, or private metal property, and the costs of the damage to the owner’s property exceed $750.00, but does not exceed $5,000.00; or, is an access device.
A person is guilty of theft in the third degree if he or she commits theft of property services which does not exceed $750.00 or includes ten or more merchandise pallets or beverage crates.
Retail theft is theft that is committed when theft of property from a mercantile establishment is done. There is also retail theft with special circumstances. Those special circumstances include leaving through an emergency exit, taking the security systems liked anti-theft tags off, or if they have committed theft at three or more separate and distinct mercantile establishments within a one hundred eighty-day period.
It can be confusing and difficult to navigate the charge of theft alone. Let Weber Law navigate it for you. There are also instances where a judge can make discretionary sentences, so it is important to have legal counsel that can advocate for you in that instance.
What is the Punishment for Theft?
Theft and retail theft are punishable by a wide range of penalties, depending on the value of the item that was taken, how it was taken, and even more specifically what type of property was taken.
First degree theft is a class B felony. A class B felony is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to $20,000.00, or both.
Second degree theft is a class C felony. A class C felony is punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both.
Third degree theft is a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment for up to ninety days, a fine of up to $1,000.00, or both.
As the sentence can range so widely, it is important to have knowledgeable legal counsel that can fight for the lowest sentence possible. It is possible to get a sentence reduction, but it requires excellent legal counsel.
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 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 a charge of Theft?
If you are being prosecuted for theft in Washington, no matter the circumstances, there are a few ways that Weber Law can fight for you. There are defenses against the crime of theft which include but are not limited to, not realizing you were stealing, thinking you paid for the item, or thinking the victim gave the item to you. Weber Law can help lower the charge to a lesser crime, lower your sentence for less jail time, lower your fine amount, or represent you at trial. Do not face these charges alone; let Weber Law work for you. By looking at potential evidence such as video surveillance, your criminal record, and potential 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 charges, winning these cases, and creating an outcome you can be happy with. An outcome that will allow you to live a life free of a criminal charge. Being convicted of theft can have impacts on the rest of your life. Let Weber Law help you navigate the criminal justice system. The court room can be a very intimidating place. Weber Law wants to do the work for you. If you or anyone you know are being prosecuted for theft in the State of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
WA ST § 9A.56.030, Theft in the first degree
WA ST § 9A.56.040, Theft in the second degree
WA ST § 9A.56.020, Theft – Definition, defense
WA ST § 9A.56.050, Theft in the third degree
WA ST § 9A.56.360, Retail theft with special circumstances
WA ST § 9A.20.021, Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after
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