Washington State has become the preferred destination for many Americans and other travelers looking for a memorable Pacific Northwest vacation or lifestyle. The region has verdant, natural landscapes complete with wildlife, and it also offers cities world-class urban experiences. This all creates a confluence of possibility and opportunity that attracts many people to the area.
This has also, unfortunately, created a situation where those who have may co-exist closely alongside those who have not, and this can create tension and temptation that leads to criminal activity. When people who desperately want something see that it is within easy physical reach, though unaffordable, they may be willing to break laws and resort to theft to get it. Washington State, like other states in the USA, has state legislature to deal with theft and has organized the illegal act of theft into specific categories which means those charged with different types of theft face different legal consequences.
Our attorneys have successfully resolved legal cases all over Washington State for decades. The types of cases they handle cover a broad spectrum, from simple civil violations to complex criminal trials. Our legal representation is available in cities like Tacoma and the surrounding region. With the comprehensive experience our teams have, we can resolve major legal challenges, such as being charged with shoplifting.
Tacoma’s Healthy Retail EnvironmentTacoma is conveniently located just south of Seattle and is fortunate to be located in one of the most economically dynamic regions of the state. The technology sector has brought many directly related jobs and industries into the region and subsequently created an economic environment that gives many people a chance to flourish. It’s natural then that the area would also offer a rich retail environment to allow people to acquire goods and services. If there’s one thing people in Tacoma can do easily, it’s shop.
Sadly, one of the inevitable consequences of a vibrant retail environment is that not everyone can afford all the things they see available for sale, but they decide not to let a lack of money stop them. Stealing goods from retail spaces is something that happens all over the United States, but unfortunately, Washington State is the top state in the country for retail-related theft. In 2022 alone, Washington State lost over 1.6 billion dollars to retail theft, which shows it is a serious problem in this part of the country.
Retail TheftOne thing people should take note of is that while theft is a general crime legally recognized in Washington State’s legal system, different charges may be imposed based on the specific circumstances behind the theft. As one example, there is a legal distinction between robbery and burglary for people who have stolen something; robbery is generally considered stealing from a person, such as a street mugging, while burglary is considered stealing from a place, such as breaking into a home while the residents are away and taking the belongings there.
The circumstances of shoplifting or retail theft are quite clear. This type of theft occurs specifically at a retail outlet, such as a grocery store, clothing store, or electronics store. This is one reason why the term most commonly used is “shoplifting,” as this crime typically involves smaller-scale crimes related to stealing products on offer at a store.
There are essentially three types of shoplifting or retail theft that a person can be charged with, and these grow in terms of seriousness and severity based on classification. The types are:
Theft In The Third DegreeThe most common type of shoplifting charge is third-degree theft. This is also the least serious of the charges and is considered a minor crime in the eyes of the law. A third-degree shoplifting charge involves smaller amounts of stolen goods, with any stolen items totaling under $750 qualifying for this type of criminal charge. Third-degree shoplifting is classified as a gross misdemeanor. However, should the value of stolen items rise, this is upgraded to a felony if it becomes first or second-degree.
Retail Theft With Special CircumstancesAs the name implies, retail theft with special circumstances is a more specific type of shoplifting. This type of shoplifting involves much more planning and sometimes even special equipment than simply trying to take something out of a store and hoping no one notices. Lined bags to shield shoplifting tags from being detected, escaping through emergency exits and other extreme methods can categorize this crime as a class C or class B felony, depending on the value of stolen goods involved.
Organized Retail TheftThe last category, organized retail theft, is shoplifting on a much bigger, more deliberate, and planned scale. Generally, multiple people are charged with this, as a usual tactic in organized retail theft is that a person is not acting alone. In some cases, there may be other people shoplifting, or there may even be a person using electronic communication to act as a “scout” or monitor for others to help them evade security. Organized shoplifting also tends to involve theft from multiple outlets over a period of time.
The ConsequencesBecause shoplifting is considered a criminal act, there are always two possibilities for verdicts. If a person is convicted, there may be a jail sentence, a fine, or, in some cases, both. For a gross misdemeanor, the maximum prison sentence is one year, with fines of up to $5000. For class C felonies, the penalty is up to five years and $10,000. For class B felonies, it is 10 years and a maximum fine of $20,000.
We’re Here To HelpWe are strongly committed to the idea that a charge of shoplifting doesn’t mean maximum penalties or the guilty verdict itself is given. Our lawyers have fought shoplifting cases in Western Washington and the rest of Washington state for over 20 years. If you, or someone you know, is charged with shoplifting, a retail theft attorney may mitigate the penalties or even dismiss the charges. Our Tacoma retail theft attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced lawyers who can help people facing shoplifting charges to get a better resolution in a court of law.
Our Tacoma Shoplifting Attorneys Can Help With Retail Theft CasesShoplifting is also called retail theft. This is a common crime in Tacoma, Washington, and even though many people view shoplifting as a relatively minor infraction, it is a serious crime with penalties that are swift and severe. A conviction will dramatically affect your life and could land you behind bars. Our Tacoma shoplifting lawyers can help if you were arrested for shoplifting in Tacoma and charged with retail theft.
The professional litigators at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe have more than 30 years of collective experience. We will protect your rights while pursuing options to have your charges dropped or the punishments minimized.
The severity of your punishments will be influenced by the value of the stolen items. In Washington State, if the stolen merchandise was valued at more than $5,000 the crime is classified a first degree theft. This Class B felony Tacoma shoplifting crime imposes penalties of up to $20,000 in fines and 10 years in prison, if convicted. There is also a possibility that additional civil damages will be awarded to the owner of the merchandise.
If the value of the stolen property was between $750 and $5,000, the crime is considered a Class C felony. The perpetrator of this serious Tacoma shoplifting crime would be charged with second degree theft, and the penalties would include fines of up to $10,000 and five years in prison. Finally, if the dollar amount of the merchandise was less than $750, the charge would be third degree theft, which is a gross misdemeanor for shoplifting. If you're convicted of this crime, you could spend up to a year in the Tacoma jail and pay fines totaling $5,000.
Yet another devastating effect of a retail theft conviction is the acquisition of a criminal record. This could prevent you from getting a good job or finding a place to live, underscoring how damaging retail theft truly is. Our Tacoma shoplifting attorneys will help you face these charges, so schedule a consultation today.
Protect Your Rights With Help From Our Tacoma Shoplifting LawyersRetaining an experienced Tacoma attorney to deal with shoplifting charges makes sense, because prosecutors often seek the most severe punishments allowable by law in retail theft cases. Our Tacoma shoplifting attorneys will do everything the law allows to mitigate the punishments you're facing, and aggressively fight against maximum sentences.
Our attorneys have considerable experience handling shoplifting cases in Tacoma. We realize that an arrest for retail theft is embarrassing, and that you're worried about going to jail or paying fines you can't afford. However, don't allow stressful nature of a Tacoma shoplifting charge to prevent you from taking steps to protect your future. Contact our Tacoma shoplifting lawyers today and get reliable counsel from a team of litigators that care about how your case is resolved.