Shoplifting (Retail Theft) in Bellevue

Being charged with shoplifting can feel like a sudden, harsh reality, especially if you or a loved one made a simple mistake or acted impulsively. It's easy to feel as though a momentary lapse in judgment is snowballing into something much more serious. You might be wondering how this could affect your life. Will it cost you your job, damage your reputation, or affect your future opportunities? We understand how overwhelming this situation can be, and we are here to help you find the best path forward with solid defense and compassionate support.

With over two decades of experience handling shoplifting cases in the King County Courts, our Bellevue defense lawyers know how to fight for a positive outcome. Whether it's negotiating for a reduced charge, challenging the evidence, or fighting for a dismissal, we use every legal tool at our disposal to minimize the negative impact on your life. Here's how our Bellevue shoplifting defense attorneys will fight for you:

• Challenge the Evidence: We review all surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to make sure the evidence against you is strong and legitimate.
• Prove Lack Of Intent: We'll argue that there was no intent to steal, especially in cases where the shoplifting may have been accidental or a misunderstanding.
• Negotiate a Reduced Charge: If the evidence is strong, we work with the prosecution to negotiate for reduced charges, such as a lesser theft offense or a diversion program.
• Explore Alternative Sentencing: Our attorneys will advocate for alternatives to jail time, like community service, probation, or theft education programs.
• Fight for A Dismissal: In cases where the prosecution's case is weak or the evidence is insufficient, we will work to get the charges dismissed outright.
• Minimizing Penalties: If a conviction is unavoidable, we'll work to minimize penalties, such as keeping you out of jail, reducing fines, and preserving your driving record.

Our Bellevue attorneys specializing in shoplifting defense will help you protect yourself during the Washington state legal process.

Shoplifting, or theft in a retail setting, is considered a criminal offense in Washington state. The penalties vary widely depending on the degree:

• Theft: Third Degree: Stealing goods valued under $750 is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 90 days in jail. You will also face fines of up to $1,000, restitution, and possible community service.
• Theft: Second Degree: Stealing goods valued between $750 and $5,000 is a Class C felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• Theft: First Degree: Theft exceeding $5,000 or involving a weapon is a Class B felony. Class B felony convictions can have penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.

Shoplifting charges can also result in a criminal record, which will affect future employment and housing opportunities. Additionally, aggravating factors like prior convictions, use of force, or multiple incidents can lead to harsher penalties.

You can successfully fight a shoplifting charge in Bellevue. With the right defense strategy, it can be reduced, dismissed, or minimized. Here are some of the defenses our Bellevue shoplifting attorneys may use:

• Mistaken Identity: Our legal team will argue that police mistakenly identified you as the person who committed the theft, especially in cases where security footage or eyewitnesses are unclear.
• Lack of Intent: Our attorneys will argue that you did not have the intent to steal the items and that the situation was the result of an honest mistake or misunderstanding.
• No Knowledge of the Theft: In some cases, you may not have known that the items were stolen, especially in situations where another person was involved in the theft.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement or store employees encouraged or induced you to commit the theft, this could serve as a valid defense.
• False Accusations: We will argue the accusations against you are untrue, whether through unreliable witness testimony or misinterpretation of events.
• Inadequate Evidence: We will challenge the prosecution's evidence, such as faulty surveillance footage or errors in the store's inventory records.
• Lack of Control: Our attorneys will argue that you did not have control over the stolen items, such as in cases where you accidentally picked them up or were unaware of the theft happening around you.
• No Violation of Store Policy: We will show that you were not violating store rules or policies.
• Impairment or Disability: In some cases, a person may be impaired or experiencing a medical issue, which may impact their ability to understand or control their actions at the time of the alleged offense.

Speak to our local Bellevue shoplifting defense attorneys to learn which defense strategies are right for your shoplifting charges.

Bellevue is a prime destination for shoppers. The city has incredible shopping destinations, from Bellevue Square and The Shops at The Bravern to Lincoln Square. You can buy your favorite national brands or discover unique finds in local boutiques, find more traditional retail experiences at Factoria Mall, or check out the open-air vibes at Crossroads Bellevue for something a bit different.

With such great shopping in Bellevue, we see a lot of our neighbors face shoplifting charges. Remember that these charges are also not set in stone. With the right approach, our experienced shoplifting attorneys can help challenge these allegations.

If you or a loved one is facing a shoplifting charge, consult with our experienced Bellevue criminal defense attorneys. Our skilled shoplifting defense lawyers can do several things to get a good outcome for your case. Whether we challenge the evidence, negotiate a reduction in charges, or seek an alternative sentencing option, we fight to minimize the impact of the charge. Call us now to learn how we will fight for you.

Shoplifting is also called retail theft in Washington, and it's a common crime in Bellevue, and just about everywhere else. While many people view shoplifting as a relatively minor criminal infraction, the truth is that it's a serious crime with penalties that can be life-altering. A conviction for this crime could even land you behind bars, but our Bellevue shoplifting lawyers can help if you've been charged with retail theft.

The professional Bellevue attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe have more than thirty years of combined experience. We will seek ways to have your charges dropped or mitigate the punishments associated with a conviction.

The value of the allegedly stolen items will influence the severity of your punishments. If the stolen merchandise was valued at more than $5,000, the criminal charge will likely be first degree theft. This is a Class B felony in Bellevue, which imposes penalties of up to $20,000 in fines and 10 years in prison, if convicted. Additional civil damages may be awarded to the owner of the merchandise, which will have to be paid by the person convicted of shoplifting.

If the value of the stolen merchandise was between $750 and $5,000, the charge will be a Class C felony. This serious Bellevue shoplifting crime is called second degree theft, and the penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison.

If the dollar amount of the merchandise stolen was less than $750, the crime is called third degree theft. This is a gross misdemeanor for shoplifting, and a conviction could lead to a year in Bellevue jail and fines totaling $5,000.

You will also acquire a criminal record if convicted of shoplifting in Bellevue. This could affect your ability to find a good job or a place to live, underscoring how damaging a retail theft conviction truly is. Our Bellevue shoplifting attorneys will help you face these charges head-on in an effort to minimize your punishments, so schedule your own consultation today.

An experienced Bellevue attorney can help you in countless ways. Washington prosecutors often seek maximum punishments in retail theft cases, so our Bellevue shoplifting attorneys will do everything they can to mitigate the punishments you're facing.

Our professional lawyers have considerable experience handling all sorts of shoplifting cases in Bellevue. We realize that being arrested for retail theft is embarrassing, and that you want to stay out of prison and avoid paying expensive fines. Now is not the time to allow the stressful nature of a Bellevue shoplifting charge to prevent you from defending your legal rights. Contact our Bellevue shoplifting lawyers today and get trustworthy counsel from a team of lawyers who care about the resolution of your case.