Theft in Seattle

For over 20 years, our Seattle attorneys have defended clients against theft charges throughout Western Washington. If you've been charged with theft in the area, we are here to help. As theft defense attorneys with deep experience in Seattle Municipal Court and King County Superior Court, we understand how to challenge theft cases in our local legal system. Whether you're facing allegations of shoplifting at a downtown retailer, theft from a business in South Lake Union, or possession of stolen property in Ballard, we will tailor a defense strategy to fit your case.

Our approach includes scrutinizing the evidence against you. We do this by reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Our team will also explore defenses like proving lack of intent, showing that you had permission to possess the property, or demonstrating that you were wrongly accused due to mistaken identity. Further, we negotiate with King County prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties and advocate for alternatives like diversion programs or restitution agreements, especially for first-time offenders.

As experienced Seattle theft defense attorneys, we know how devastating a theft conviction in Washington state can be. That's why we leverage every tool available to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and fight for a favorable outcome. Contact our Seattle law offices today for a free consultation and let our team defend your case.

Theft Charges Our Seattle Attorneys Fight In King County Courts

In our over two decades of defending clients in Western Washington, our legal team has mastered theft defense. No matter the charges you face in King County Courts, we can help. Call us if Seattle law enforcement charges you with the following:

• Theft In The First Degree: Theft involving property or services valued at over $5,000 or stealing property directly from another person (not robbery)
• Theft In The Second Degree: Theft involving property or services valued between $750 and $5,000 or stealing certain public records or property from another person
• Theft In The Third Degree: Theft of someone's private property or services valued at less than $750
• Theft Of A Motor Vehicle: The unlawful taking or control of a motor vehicle without permission
• Possession Of Stolen Property: Knowingly possessing property that has been stolen, with penalties based on the value of the property
• Theft Of A Firearm: The unlawful taking or possession of a firearm belonging to another person
• Theft Of Livestock: The unlawful taking or killing of livestock with the intent to sell or use it
• Retail Theft With Extenuating Circumstances: Shoplifting using tools to facilitate theft or theft as part of organized retail crime
• Mail Theft: Stealing mail from a mailbox or mail carrier
• Identity Theft: Using or possessing another person's identifying information with intent to commit fraud

In Seattle, a conviction for theft carries hefty penalties like jail time and fines. Our attorneys specializing in theft defense not only know how to defend against these charges but also fight harsh penalties.

What Steps Should I Take If I Am Charged With Theft In Seattle?

If you've been charged with theft in Seattle, here's what you should do:

• Remain Silent: Do not say anything to Seattle law enforcement or anyone else about the incident. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you want an attorney present.
• Understand Your Charges: Theft charges in Seattle may include anything from shoplifting (Theft in the Third Degree) to more serious offenses like Theft in the First Degree for property over $5,000.
• Hire Our Experienced Theft Defense Attorneys: Our Seattle-based attorneys have over 20 years of experience defending theft cases in King County courts, including the Seattle Municipal Court and King County Superior Court. We understand the local legal system and have built relationships with judges and prosecutors that can be critical in negotiating reduced charges or penalties.
• Collect Evidence: Work with your attorney to gather any evidence that supports your defense, such as receipts, surveillance footage, or witness statements. For example, if you were accused of shoplifting at a downtown Seattle retailer, video evidence could prove your innocence.
• Consider Alternative Resolutions: In Seattle, first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs and other alternatives to a conviction. The judge can also order restitution or community service instead. An experienced theft defense attorney can help you explore these options and advocate for a favorable resolution.
• Prepare For Court: Theft charges in Seattle are often prosecuted at Seattle Municipal Court or King County Superior Court. Your attorney will guide you through the court process, from arraignment to trial, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

If you face a theft charge, call our Seattle theft defense attorneys today for a free consultation. We'll help you take control of your case and explore the best path forward.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Seattle Defense Attorneys

Our theft defense attorneys are local to Seattle, specializing in successful cases involving retail theft in downtown Seattle, shoplifting at University Village, and stolen vehicles in Seattle's Capitol Hill. We've defended clients accused of stealing from Pike Place Market vendors, challenged allegations of possession of stolen property in Ballard, and navigated complex cases of organized retail theft in South Lake Union. We’ve also fought charges tied to mail theft in Queen Anne, credit card fraud in Belltown, and theft of services in West Seattle.

With an understanding of the Seattle community and the King County legal system, we know how theft cases are prosecuted in Seattle Municipal Court and King County Superior Court. This is why we believe every theft charge deserves to be challenged, whether by disputing the evidence, proving a lack of intent, or negotiating alternatives to a conviction. No matter the circumstances of your case, we will find a way to fight for your rights and achieve a favorable outcome. Call our experienced theft defense attorneys in Seattle now for a free consultation.

Have You Been Arrested for Theft? Our Seattle Theft Attorneys Can Defend You

Theft comes in many different varieties, and in Seattle any theft charge can have lasting repercussions that include harsh penalties and a stigma that can follow you for the rest of your life. Our Seattle theft lawyers can defend your interests against a legal system that has little compassion for persons accused of theft. The goal of our legal team in every case is to do everything legally possible to have Seattle theft charges dismissed or mitigated to some degree.

Theft includes any crime where property that a person does not own is taken either by force or by other means. This includes everything from robbery to fraud, and from shoplifting to embezzlement. In cases where a theft was committed by use of a deadly weapon, or that involve an institution of finance; the penalties can be far more severe than theft alone.

If you’ve been charged with a theft in Seattle, the amount stolen will indicate the penalties to which you are subject. For a theft of under $750, you face up to one year in prison and $5,000 fine. For a theft of $750 to $1,500 you could be punished with up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. For serious theft involving more than $1,500 you could spend up to 10 years in prison and be fined $20,000.

Fighting a theft charge is never easy, but until you talk to one of our Seattle theft attorneys there is no way we can give you any specific information about your case. However, it is important to protect your legal rights at all costs, and do everything you can to minimize the penalties you face as much as possible.

Our Team of Seattle Theft Lawyers Will Fight Your Charge and Protect Your Rights

Many people who are accused of theft in Seattle are not criminals, have no criminal record, and would never commit another crime again under any circumstances. Indeed, our Seattle theft attorneys believe that everyone deserves a second chance in life, and it is under this premise that we seek to defend the character of our clients.

Jason S. Newcombe is a Seattle attorney who will defend you from theft charges with every legal tool at his disposal. In fact, our firm of Seattle theft lawyers has over 30 years of collective experience dealing with the law, courts, and prosecutors. Our primary goal in every case is to have your theft charges dismissed or reduced.

Quality Seattle legal representation is a phone call away, and it greatly improves your chances of mitigating unnecessary punishments. If someone you know has been charged with a theft crime in Seattle, contact us today so that we can offer them reliable legal counsel.