Theft in Bellevue

It can be really scary to face a theft charge, especially because the penalties under Washington state law can be severe. However, theft charges do not mean your life is over. No matter how serious, there are always ways to challenge them. Our job is to find those ways, whether it's questioning the evidence, proving a lack of intent, or uncovering inconsistencies in how the courts handle your case. If you are facing theft charges, don't wait. Call our Bellevue law offices now to speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Our experienced Bellevue attorneys have fought against theft charges for over 20 years. We have the experience to defend you against the following:

• Petty Theft (Larceny): Stealing property valued at $750 or less
• Grand Theft (Larceny): Stealing property valued over $750
• Shoplifting: Stealing goods from a retail store
• Auto Theft: Stealing a vehicle
• Burglary: Entering a building or structure to commit theft
• Robbery: Taking property from another person by force or threat of force
• Identity Theft: Using someone else's personal information to commit fraud or theft
• Theft By Deception: Taking property by misleading or deceiving the owner
• Theft Of Services: Receiving services without paying for them like skipping out on a restaurant bill
• Credit Card Fraud: Using someone else's credit or debit card without permission to make purchases
• Theft Of Mail: Stealing mail from a mailbox or delivery service
• Embezzlement: Stealing money or property entrusted to one's care, often in an employment setting
• Receiving Stolen Property: Knowing that property is stolen but taking or possessing it anyway

No matter the theft charges you are facing, our theft defense attorneys in Bellevue are here to defend your rights.

The penalties for theft in Washington state depend on the value of the stolen property and the specific circumstances of the crime. Here's a breakdown:

Petty Theft (Larceny):

• Value of stolen property: $750 or less
• Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000

Grand Theft (Larceny):

• Value of stolen property: Over $750
• Penalty: Felony, with penalties ranging from up to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $20,000
• Robbery: Felony, typically 1st-degree robbery, carries 7 to 12 years in prison and significant fines.
• Burglary: 1st-degree burglary when the structure is a dwelling carries up to 10 years in prison, while 2nd-degree burglary carries up to 7 years in prison.
• Shoplifting: If the value is under $750, it's typically a misdemeanor. If over $750, it becomes a felony, with penalties similar to grand theft.
• Identity Theft: Felony charge with sentences ranging from 1 to 5 years of incarceration and fines of up to $10,000 or more, depending on the damage caused
• Embezzlement: Felony charges with sentences and fines based on the amount embezzled and can range from 1 to 10 years in prison

Penalties for theft can vary based on prior convictions, whether weapons were involved, or if you have a history of criminal behavior.

There are several defenses against criminal theft charges in King County, Washington. Here are some of the most common ones our attorneys will explore for your case:

• Lack Of Intent: The King County prosecution has to prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you accidentally took something or had no intent to steal, this defense could be effective.
• Mistaken Identity: If law enforcement incorrectly identified you as the person who committed the theft, your defense lawyer could argue that you were not the one involved in the crime. Witness misidentification can be a powerful defense.
• No Proof Of Ownership: If the prosecution cannot prove the item belonged to someone else, they may not be able to prove theft.
• Permission Or Consent: If you had permission from the owner to take the property, this could serve as a defense against theft charges. For example, if a friend allowed you to borrow something and you mistakenly assumed it was a gift, this could be relevant.
• Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot provide enough evidence to prove the theft occurred, your defense attorney may argue for a lack of sufficient evidence.
• Alibi: If you were somewhere else at the time the crime occurred, you can present an alibi as a defense. Solid proof of where you were, like witness testimony, security footage, or receipts, can help prove your innocence.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced or persuaded you into committing theft that you wouldn't have otherwise committed, this may be a defense. Entrapment occurs when police go beyond encouraging a crime and actively lead someone to commit it.
• Coercion Or Duress: If you committed the theft because someone forced or threatened you with harm, the defense of coercion or duress could apply. However, this is typically only valid if the threat is immediate and significant.

The most effective defense strategy depends on the circumstances of the case. Having a Bellevue attorney who knows the courts, judges, and prosecution is your best defense.

Contact Our Bellevue, WA Theft Crime Defense Attorneys Now

Our attorneys live and work right here in Bellevue. We shop at Bellevue Square, stroll through Downtown Park, and enjoy the natural beauty at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. From events at Meydenbauer Center to outings at Kelsey Creek Farm, we know our community well. Our local knowledge extends to the King County justice system, where we understand what defense strategies work.

We believe every theft charge can and should be challenged in court. With over 20 years of experience defending people just like you across Western Washington, we know how to get a possibly positive outcome. Call us now. Our local Bellevue criminal defense attorneys are standing by to help.

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.

Many 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.