Shoplifting (Retail Theft) in Federal Way

Maybe it was a misunderstanding. Maybe it was a mistake. No matter how it happened, facing shoplifting charges in Federal Way can be truly stressful. Washington state treats shoplifting seriously because it is considered an entry crime, meaning it is a stepping stone for more serious violations. So even for a first-time offense, the penalties can be steep. King County judges may sentence you to pay fines and serve time if convicted.

With your future at stake and Washington state's harsh penalties, you need legal counsel by your side. Our Federal Way shoplifting defense attorneys, who have been defending our clients in Western Washington for over two decades, know exactly how to challenge shoplifting charges in King County Courts.

As your shoplifting defense attorneys, we begin by thoroughly reviewing all evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to craft a tailored defense strategy. We’ll explain Washington state's shoplifting laws and help you understand potential penalties. Our aggressive approach also involves negotiating with prosecutors for alternative resolutions like diversion programs or community service to avoid a criminal record. If your case proceeds to trial in King County Courts, we’ll represent you, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn, ensuring your chance at a favorable outcome.

After the trial, whether the outcome is a conviction or acquittal, our Federal Way shoplifting defense attorneys continue to support you. We'll help with any necessary appeals or advice on how to comply with any court-ordered penalties. We're your advocate through the entire legal process to reduce or avoid any penalties.

In Washington state, the penalties for shoplifting vary depending on the value of the goods stolen. Here are some of the penalties you may face:

• Theft In The Third Degree (Goods valued under $750): If convicted of this gross misdemeanor, you could face up to 364 days in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Theft In The Second Degree (Goods valued between $750 and $5,000): If convicted of this gross misdemeanor, you could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Theft In The First Degree (Goods valued over $5,000): If convicted of this Class B felony, you could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Further, retail stores may seek civil penalties in King County Courts. If found guilty in civil court, you will have to pay a monetary penalty in addition to the value of the stolen merchandise. King County Courts often order the shoplifter to pay damages of up to $1,250 or three times the retail value of the goods, whichever is greater.

If law enforcement arrests you for shoplifting in Federal Way, Washington, here is what will happen:

• Arrest: If Federal Way law enforcement suspects you of shoplifting in a store, the typical process starts with your detention by store security. They may call the Federal Way Police, who can officially arrest you and take you into custody.
• Booking: After arrest, the officers will take you to the Federal Way police station for booking. During this process, you'll be photographed and fingerprinted.
• Charging: The prosecutor's office will review the evidence and decide whether to file formal charges. For shoplifting, these charges are generally theft in the third degree, unless the value of the stolen goods is high enough to warrant more severe charges.
• Arraignment: You will then appear in court for an arraignment, likely at the Federal Way Municipal Court or King County District Court, depending on the specifics of your case. During arraignment, you'll be formally read your charges and asked to enter a plea.
• Pre-Trial Activities: If you plead not guilty, the pre-trial process will involve discovery, where your attorney will review all the evidence the prosecution has. It may also include motions, pre-trial conferences, and plea deal negotiations.
• Trial: If we cannot reach a plea agreement, your case will go to trial. Both the King County prosecution and your defense team will present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses.
• Sentencing: If you are found guilty, the King County judge will impose a sentence based on the severity of the offense. They also consider any previous criminal history during sentencing.
• Post-Trial: After sentencing, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Washington state appellate courts if there are grounds for appeal, such as procedural errors or questions about the interpretation of law.

Throughout this process, our role as your attorneys is to provide guidance, protect your rights, and advocate vigorously on your behalf at every step. We aim to achieve a favorable outcome, whether through negotiating plea deals or defending you at trial.

If you are not guilty of shoplifting, we can help. As your shoplifting defense attorneys in Federal Way, we would focus on demonstrating the lack of intent to steal. Then, we will scrutinize the prosecution's evidence for weaknesses like unclear surveillance footage or inconsistent witness statements. Next, we'll determine whether law enforcement violated your rights during the detention or arrest process. Finally, our Federal Way shoplifting defense attorneys then present evidence that any taking was accidental or due to a misunderstanding. We'll argue for a reduction or total dismissal of your case.

Federal Way offers a variety of shopping experiences, from the bustling Commons at Federal Way to the boutique-lined streets of Pacific Highway South. You can also explore the popular Federal Way Farmers Market or the retail spaces around Westfield Southcenter Mall, where you'll find everything from big-box stores to local shops. With such a wide range of shopping districts and malls, shoplifting charges are unfortunately common in this area. If you're facing them, you need skilled legal representation to defend your rights.

Our defense attorneys in Federal Way have a strong track record of challenging shoplifting charges in King County Courts. With our 20 years of experience, we will provide the representation you need. Call us now to schedule a free consultation. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Shoplifting is also referred to as retail theft in Washington State. This crime is common in Federal Way, and just about everywhere else in the country. Many people mistakenly view shoplifting as a minor criminal infraction, but the truth is that it's a serious crime with penalties that can have a devastating impact on your life. A conviction for retail theft may even lead to a jail sentence, but our Federal Way shoplifting lawyers can protect your legal rights.

The professional Federal Way attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe have more than thirty years of collective experience handling Washington law. We will pursue avenues to have your charges dropped, or seek to mitigate your penalties in whatever way the law allows.

The value of the stolen merchandise will influence the severity of retail theft punishments. If the stolen merchandise was worth more than $5,000, the charge will be first degree theft. This is a Class B felony in Federal Way, with penalties of up to $20,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. Additional civil damages may also be awarded to the owner of the merchandise.

If the value of the stolen goods was between $750 and $5,000, it is a Class C felony. This Federal Way shoplifting crime is referred to as second degree theft, with penalties that include up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.

If the value of the merchandise was less than $750, it is third degree theft, which is a gross misdemeanor. A conviction could lead to a year in Federal Way jail and fines totaling $5,000.

A criminal record will also haunt you for the rest of your life, if you're convicted of shoplifting in Federal Way. This may affect your ability to find a job, underscoring how damaging a retail theft conviction truly is for many people. Our Federal Way shoplifting attorneys will help you face these charges head-on in an effort to minimize your punishments and keep you out of prison, so schedule a free consultation today.

A qualified Federal Way attorney can help you by offering reliable counsel when you need it most. Washington State prosecutors often seek maximum punishments in these cases, so our Federal Way shoplifting attorneys will do everything they can to minimize the damage of a conviction.

Our lawyers have considerable experience handling shoplifting cases in Federal Way, and we realize that you want to stay out of prison and avoid paying expensive fines. Don't allow the stressful nature of a Federal Way shoplifting arrest prevent you from taking steps to defend your legal rights. Contact our Federal Way shoplifting lawyers today and get honest counsel from a team of lawyers who care about how your case is resolved.