Puyallup Theft

Theft convictions or even an accusation can result in serious consequences in Pierce County. Depending on the crime, you may be charged with a felony and face severe fines or an extended prison sentence. Even just the allegation of theft in Puyallup may have serious repercussions for your reputation.

Many people in Pierce County charged with burglary, shoplifting and other theft crimes do not take the offenses seriously. However, with advances in technology causing cyber-theft crimes to rise, Washington state prosecutors have begun pursuing strict sentencing for even minor theft convictions.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a theft, burglary, or robbery crime in Puyallup, you need aggressive legal advocacy to protect your legal rights. A criminal theft charge is a serious allegation, and our team of Pierce County theft lawyers will prepare an aggressive and ethical defense, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the prosecution satisfies its burden of proving guilt.

The essence of criminal theft is the taking of property rightfully belonging to someone else with the intent of permanently depriving them of that property. Every state has its own laws to further define theft charges, and some states even include robbery and burglary charges under the umbrella of theft charges.

In Washington state, theft, burglary, and robbery are all considered separate charges. Washington state statute RCW 9A.56.020 lays out three specific definitions for the crime of theft

“(a) To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
(b) By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
(c) To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.”

Put more simply, the three definitions are

• Theft by taking
• Theft by deception
• Theft by receiving or possessing stolen property

Some common examples of theft charges handled by our Puyallup criminal defense attorneys include:

Retail theft- Also known as shoplifting or theft of services, this offense occurs when someone steals merchandise or deliberately fails to pay for a service provided.
Auto theft- This offense increases in degree based on the value of the motor vehicle involved. Embezzlement- This occurs when someone in a position of trust, such as an accountant, trustee, or manager, steals money or property that has been placed in their care for designated purposes.
Theft by false pretenses- You may be guilty of theft when you obtain property from another by fraudulent claims, representations, or promises.
Identity theft- Using someone’s personal information to impersonate them is identity theft even if it doesn’t involve taking the victim’s property.
Receiving or possessing stolen property- Even if you don’t steal property yourself, you commit a crime if you accept possession of property you know was stolen.

If you or a loved one has been charged with theft or a theft-related crime, do not hesitate to contact our team of Pierce County criminal lawyers as soon as possible. Our team has helped countless clients in your situation and we can help you devise a defense tailored to your specific needs.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential when you’re facing theft charges in Puyallup because a conviction can have consequences you never imagined. Listed below is a broad overview of some of the penalties for theft charges in Pierce County.

Because there is so much variance between cases, Washington State law defines theft by degrees, which are charged according to the monetary value of what was stolen.

• Third-degree theft is the lowest theft charge. Classified as a gross misdemeanor, theft in the 3rd degree is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued below $750. Most shoplifting crimes, also known as retail theft, are charged as Theft in the 3rd degree.
• Second-degree theft is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000. This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued from $750 to $5,000, or when the stolen item is an account access device like a key-card or access code.
• First-degree theft is the highest theft charge in Washington State. 1st-degree Theft is a Class B felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000. This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued at or above $5,000, or the theft includes a firearm or motor vehicle.

Any person brought up on theft charges in Puyallup will most likely have to appear in court. All misdemeanor theft charges would be adjudicated at the Pierce County District Court, located in Tacoma. Any felony theft charges, such as 1st-degree theft, would be adjudicated at the Pierce County Superior Court, which is also located in downtown Tacoma.

If convicted of theft in Pierce County, there may be other repercussions beyond just fines and/or jail time. These penalties can include things like restitution, probation, and community service. In addition, a theft conviction may impede your ability to acquire a job in any field that would require a worker to handle merchandise or cash.

When you are faced with a criminal theft crime charge in Puyallup, your rights and your future are at risk. Our team of Pierce County theft attorneys has years of experience handling theft charges from shoplifting to theft in the first degree. We have helped thousands of Washington state residents and visitors accused of theft and varying other crimes; let us put that experience to work for you.

One of the most stressful events in anyone’s life is being arrested. It carries uncertainty and can take a very high toll on your life by adding financial, personal, and professional pressure. It also affects those around you, including spouses, children, relatives, friends, and coworkers. Our Pierce County defense team understands all of the repercussions that an arrest can have on your life.

Even if you are innocent of the charges filed against you, the prosecution will attack your case aggressively. Failure to present a compelling criminal theft defense can end with you receiving a heavy sentence, which may include prison time. With so much on the line, you need a knowledgeable Washington state criminal defender. An experienced Puyallup theft attorney can investigate your case and look for violations of your rights, or factors that render the prosecution’s evidence against you inadmissible.

To find out more about how our team of Pierce County criminal defense attorneys can help you, contact us today. We offer a no-cost case evaluation to every prospective client.