Theft

If you are dealing with theft charges in Everett, Washington, you probably want to know more about what it is and what the consequences can be. In Washington, theft is defined as unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent of permanently depriving them of it.

This crime is regulated under Washington state law, with more specific provisions that can be found in the Revised Code of Washington. The overall severity of theft charges varies depending on several different factors, like the value of the stolen property, what you did to commit the theft, and if there are any aggravating circumstances.

Some of the more common forms of theft include shoplifting, auto theft, burglary, and theft from a vehicle. In general, these crimes can range from being just misdemeanor offenses to something that can turn into much more serious felony charges.

One of the biggest elements of theft cases in Everett is the actual intent behind the action. For you to be convicted of theft, the prosecution needs to prove that you knowingly took the property. In some instances, theft charges can be reduced to a lesser offense, like unlawful possession of stolen property, which carries different penalties. If you are accused of theft, you might choose to defend yourself by challenging the intent or disputing the evidence being presented against you.

However, since we are talking about serious legal consequences, like a criminal record, limited employment prospects, and your reputation, you may want to seek the assistance of a qualified criminal defense attorney. They can help you understand the potential penalties and build you a strong defense. You can also count on them to offer expert insights into plea bargaining, mitigation, and even the complete dismissal of your charges in some cases.

Several different statutes govern theft in Everett and the rest of the state. Here are some of the more notable ones you will want to familiarize yourself with.

This is the statute that defines theft in the first degree as the unlawful taking of property valued at more than $5,000. A first-degree theft charge is usually classified as a Class B felony, with penalties that include up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Examples of first-degree theft include stealing high-value items like cars, jewelry, or large sums of money.

Theft in the second degree is when someone steals property that is valued between $750 and $5,000. This is classified as a Class C felony and can carry penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Common cases include stealing electronics, bicycles, or tools.

Theft in the third degree is when someone steals property that is valued at less than $750. This is typically classified as a gross misdemeanor and can result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Examples of third-degree theft include shoplifting small items from a store or taking property without permission.

This statute makes it a crime to knowingly possess stolen property. If someone is found possessing property they know was stolen, they can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. This also depends on the value of the property. Possession of stolen property valued at over $5,000 is a Class C felony, while possession of property valued under $750 is a misdemeanor.

Under this law, stealing a motor vehicle is classified as a Class B felony. The penalties for theft of a motor vehicle are similar to those for theft in the first degree, including a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $20,000. Vehicle theft is a serious crime in Everett and across Washington state.

A burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside the building. There are two degrees of burglary, with the first degree being a Class B felony and the second degree a Class C felony.

All of these statutes paint a clear picture of what you can expect when dealing with theft charges in Everett, Washington. By now, you can probably see how invaluable an experienced criminal defense attorney can be when it comes time to defend yourself against these charges.

Did you know that Everett is the biggest city in all of Snohomish County? This shows how much growth the area has experienced in recent years. This is highlighted by its busy downtown area and all of the different businesses that contribute to its overall atmosphere. However, this level of growth comes with its fair share of challenges. The issue of theft has become a big concern for local law enforcement and the residents.

Theft-related offenses like shoplifting occur more and more frequently in bigger cities. And these crimes certainly can disrupt the sense of security that residents and business owners value. With that being said, the community has done the work to balance its growth with effective crime prevention and public safety strategies.

Theft charges in Everett don’t just affect those involved either. There is a big ripple effect passed onto the entire community. And for those charged with theft, you will undoubtedly find far-reaching implications for this that can affect your freedom, future opportunities, and relationships.

At our firm, we believe that theft charges can be challenged in a way that gives you a chance for a much more favorable outcome overall. With over 20 years of experience in handling theft cases throughout Western Washington, our team has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against theft accusations.

If you or a loved one are facing theft charges, it's essential to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A strong legal defense can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome.

Our Everett theft defense attorneys are committed to providing aggressive representation and working tirelessly to protect your rights and keep you from unnecessary penalties. We will challenge the evidence, question the intent, and explore every available legal avenue to ensure that your case receives the most suitable defense.

Theft is divided into three different degrees which indicate the seriousness of the charge. Whether you are facing theft 1°, 2°, or 3°, it is important to take the charge extremely seriously. In addition to potential jail, fines, probation, restitution, and no contact orders, a crime of dishonesty on your record will impact your ability to get a job or even housing in the future.

The most common theft charge is theft 3° which is the least serious of the degrees. Theft 3° is a gross misdemeanor which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. This degree is charged when the items stolen have a value of $750 or less. This is typically the charge when shoplifting is involved. A incidents of shoplifting, under state statute, a store has a right to seek restitution above what the value of the items were. They can do this even if they stopped you from actually stealing the goods! Typically, you will get a letter in the mail with a civil demand. They will offer to close their civil case against you if you send them a certain amount of money. If you do not, they will then sue you for the damages. However, this will only close the civil case. The government can still proceed with their criminal case against you. Occasionally, an experienced attorney can work out a resolution with the victim to also close the criminal case. Because of this, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to hopefully get the best resolution possible before it is too late.

Theft 2° is a class C felony which means the maximum penalty is 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. This is charged when the value of the items stolen are above $750 but less than $5,000. Lastly, Theft 1° is a class B felony which means the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Theft 1° is typically charged when the items stolen exceed $5,000.

In some instances, the types of items stolen will dictate the theft charge you face, despite the value. For example, stealing a car is a felony even if the car is only worth $500. Theft of a firearm is a class B felony, even if it is worth under $750.