Theft in Kent

In Washington state, theft charges are very serious, and conviction carries severe legal penalties. Depending on the degree of the theft, you could be facing hefty fines and a long jail sentence. When you're up against these charges in Kent, it's easy to feel isolated and uncertain. The weight of these potential penalties can be heavy. Plus, you may not know where to turn if this is your first time running against the law.

Our Kent-based attorneys specialize in theft defense. We understand the pressures you are under and know how overwhelming it can be when you face charges in King County, which is why we’re here to guide you through this legal maze. With years of experience in Kent District Court and surrounding courts, we know the strategies that can help reduce charges, minimize penalties, or even lead to case dismissals. Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help protect your future.

For over 20 years, our theft defense attorneys in Kent have been defending people just like you across Western Washington. We'll challenge all types of theft charges, including:

• Theft (First Degree)
• Theft (Second Degree)
• Theft (Third Degree)
• Theft Of A Motor Vehicle
• Possession Of Stolen Property (First Degree)
• Possession Of Stolen Property (Second Degree)
• Possession Of Stolen Property (Third Degree)
• Theft Of Rental, Leased, Or Lease-Purchased Property
• Theft Of A Firearm
• Organized Retail Theft
• Retail Theft With Special Circumstances
• Theft Of Livestock
• Theft Of Public Funds
• Theft Of Cable Services

No matter the circumstances surrounding your King County charges, our theft defense attorneys are on the case.

When facing theft charges, you need a defense team that knows the King County legal system and fights aggressively on your behalf. Our firm brings over two decades of experience defending clients against theft accusations of all kinds, from minor shoplifting to complex first-degree theft cases.

As a local King County legal firm, we have built strong professional relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff. With knowledge of what defenses work in these courts, we craft tailored strategies that help reduce charges and penalties and even lead to dismissals. Your future is worth the fight. Our Kent theft defense lawyers are here to help protect it.

The penalties for theft in Washington state depend on the value and type of property involved, as well as the degree of the charge. The state classifies theft offenses in three degrees:

Theft (First Degree):

• Class B felony
• Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $20,000

Theft (Second Degree):

• Class C felony
• Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000

Theft (Third Degree):

• Gross misdemeanor
• Up to a year in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000

Additional penalties, including paying restitution to victims and a permanent criminal record, can make a theft conviction life-altering. Working with an experienced defense attorney is the best way to minimize its impact on your life.

Can I Challenge Theft Charges In King County Courts?

Fighting theft charges requires a well-crafted defense strategy. Our attorneys are here to develop solid defenses that sway King County Court judges. Here are some that we will explore for your case:

• Lack Of Intent: Show that you never intended to permanently take the owner's property.
• Ownership Or Right to Possession: Prove that you believed the property was yours or that you had a legal right to take it.
• Mistaken Identity: Show that someone else committed the theft and that you were wrongly accused.
• Owner Consent: Prove that the property owner allowed you to take or use the property.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenge the prosecution's ability to prove their evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Lack Of Value: Dispute the alleged value of the stolen property to reduce the severity of the charge.
• Coercion Or Duress: Establish that you were forced or pressured into committing the theft.
• Entrapment: Argue that law enforcement induced you to commit the crime, which you otherwise would not have done.

Each case is unique, and the right defense depends on the specific facts and evidence. Our Kent theft defense attorneys will analyze your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments, and craft a strong strategy.

Kent is a fantastic place to live, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning nature of the Pacific Northwest and our local community. We often find ourselves at places like Clark Lake Park, Soos Creek Park, and the Kent Commons, perfect for a weekend walk or afternoon picnic. You can also catch us at local events such as Kent's Cornucopia Days, the Kent International Festival, and the annual Kent Farmers Market. We love exploring Kent's rich history, often visiting the Kent Historical Museum, the ShoWare Center for sports events, and landmarks like the Kent Downtown Historic District.

We firmly believe that every theft charge deserves a strong challenge. With our extensive knowledge of Washington state law, we know how to approach and handle each theft case effectively. Whether you're facing charges in Kent or nearby, give us a call for a free consultation.

Theft applies to a number of different situations, which creates confusion when addressing a criminal charge. Theft convictions incur court-imposed punishments that vary with the severity of the offense, plus the embarrassment of being labeled a thief and obtaining a criminal record. Our Kent theft lawyers urge you to take any theft charge seriously, as these crimes are often prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will aggressively pursue the dismissal of your theft charges, but if this proves impossible we will work hard to have your penalties reduced in some way.

If you take property that doesn't belong to you, the crime is considered a theft, whether force was used or not. Theft charges can result from committing fraud, robbery, shoplifting, and embezzlement, among other crimes. If a deadly weapon was used during the theft, or a financial institution like a bank was the primary target, a conviction could lead to lengthy prison sentence.

First Degree Theft is charged when the value of the stolen merchandise was more than $1,500, and is a Class B felony in Washington. Penalties for a first degree theft conviction include up to ten years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Second Degree Theft is a Class C felony charged to those who steal merchandise valued between $750 and $1,500. A conviction for this crime results in a mandatory prison sentence of up to five years and $10,000 in fines.

Third Degree Theft is a gross misdemeanor charged to those whose theft is valued at less than $750. A conviction could result in up to a year in Kent jail and fines totaling $5,000.

Defending someone against a theft charge in Washington State can be complicated, but our Kent theft attorneys can look into various options such as diversion programs, which prevents you from obtaining a criminal record.

If you've been accused of a Kent theft and have never been in trouble with the law, then you may be able to have your charges lowered or your punishments reduced. Our Kent theft attorneys believe that everybody deserves to have their story told, which is why we act as your personal advocate with the court.

The Kent theft lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe urge you to take this situation seriously. With more than three decades of combined experience, we've seen how devastating a theft conviction can be. Especially when you consider that multiple theft charges can accompany one crime. For instance, if you attempt to resell stolen property you can be charged with theft and trafficking.

Schedule your own personal, cost-free consultation today, and let our Kent theft lawyers aggressively protect your legal rights.