Shoplifting (Retail Theft) in Federal Way

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.