Theft in Kirkland

Theft applies to a number of different situations involving criminal activity. This creates confusion when addressing a charge for this serious crime. Theft convictions incur court-imposed punishments that vary depending on the severity of the offense, in addition to the embarrassment of being labeled a thief and acquiring a criminal record. Our team of Kirkland theft lawyers urge you to take any theft charge seriously, as these crimes are often prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law. We will aggressively pursue the discharge of your theft charges, but if this proves to be impossible, we will work our hardest to have your penalties reduced.

Theft is a crime defined by taking property that does not belong to you, whether force was used or not. Theft charges can result from committing robbery, fraud, embezzlement, and shoplifting, among other crimes. If you used a deadly weapon during the theft, or if a financial institution such as a bank was your primary target, a conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

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

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

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

It can be complicated to defend someone against a theft charge in Washington State, but our Kirkland theft attorneys can look into various options available to you. One example is a diversion program, which prevents you from obtaining a criminal record. This options may be possible if you have no prior criminal convictions.

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

The Kirkland theft lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe ask you to take this situation very seriously. We've seen first hand how devastating a theft conviction can be during our more than three decades of combined experience practicing law. This is especially true when you consider that multiple theft charges could accompany one crime. For example, if you attempt to resell property that is stolen, you could be charged with theft and trafficking.

Please schedule your own personal, cost-free consultation today. Let our Kirkland theft lawyers aggressively protect your legal rights. The stakes are always high in Kirkland theft cases, because your future, your freedom, and your reputation are all on the line. Fortunately, our legal team is ready to help.