The term 'theft' covers a few different crimes in Washington. However, any theft conviction will likely incur repercussions that include court-imposed punishments, a criminal record, and being labeled a thief. Our Bellevue theft lawyers urge you to seek professional legal assistance if you've been charged with a theft crime. The Washington legal system has no compassion for people charged with theft, but our Bellevue lawyers will fight to have your theft charges dropped, or seek to mitigate your punishments by exploring various legal avenues.
According to the Washington State legal code, when a person takes property that doesn't belong to them, which may or may not be by force, the crime is referred to as theft. Theft includes crimes like fraud, shoplifting, robbery, and embezzlement, just to name a handful. If a weapon was used to commit the theft crime, or a financial institution was targeted, a conviction could land you in prison for a decade.
First Degree Theft - This is a Class C felony and is charged to thieves who steal goods totaling more than $1,500. The penalties for a conviction in Bellevue include up to ten years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Second Degree Theft - This is a Class B felony charged when the value of stolen goods is between $750 and $1,500. Punishments for a conviction in Bellevue include up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Third Degree Theft - this is a gross misdemeanor charged when the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $750. Punishments for a conviction in Bellevue include up to 365 days in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
Defending yourself against a Bellevue theft charge is never easy, but you can start getting answers by speaking with one of our Bellevue theft attorneys as soon as possible. Our lawyers will protect your legal rights, thoroughly investigate the facts surrounding your arrest, and do everything the law permits to minimize the damage of a Bellevue theft conviction.
Get More Information From Our Experienced Bellevue Theft LawyersMany people charged with a theft crime in Bellevue have never had a criminal record and don't consider themselves a criminal. Sometimes honest people make poor decisions, which is why our Bellevue theft attorneys believe that everybody deserves to have their side of story told. We understand that you value your reputation, so we will act as your personal advocate with the court and do whatever we can to protect your good name.
The Bellevue lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe will seek ways to minimize the penalties of a conviction. With more than thirty years of collective experience defending Bellevue residents from every sort of theft charge, we are ready to defend your interests.
Contact our law office in Washington today and allow our Bellevue theft lawyers to help you.