Theft in Olympia

Stealing is more than just taking something that doesn’t belong to you—it is a betrayal of trust and a violation of another’s hard work and personal space that can leave the victims of these crimes feeling vulnerable, hurt, and even powerless. The emotional toll it takes can also be just as damaging as the loss of their material possessions and can affect their lives in ways that go beyond just the items that were taken. Whether small or large, theft leaves a lasting impact that echoes far beyond the crime in that moment.

Theft in Olympia is the unlawful taking of someone’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This can be anything from small, minor theft like shoplifting to a more serious offense that involves large amounts of money or valuable property. While most theft cases involve stealing property directly, it can also extend to situations where there is embezzlement, fraud, and even identity theft.

Theft is also often committed by those placed in positions of trust, like employees or contractors. They may steal money or property from employers or clients, which is often referred to as embezzlement or employee theft. This can lead to serious consequences and also involves breaking fiduciary duty. If you are convicted of embezzlement, you can face harsh sentences, including much longer prison terms and higher fines because it is considered theft at a much larger scale.

The severity of theft charges in Washington depends on the value of the stolen property and the actual circumstances at the time of the crime. Petty theft involves items at a lower dollar amount, while grand theft exceeds this lower threshold. Regardless, anyone in Olympia caught committing theft can end up facing serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, fines, restitution, and jail time. The impact can be long-lasting, affecting future employment, housing opportunities, and even your reputation.

Shoplifting is a common form of theft and involves stealing merchandise from a store or other retail business. Even though it is more common than many of us would care to admit, it is still considered a serious crime. For this reason, Washington has laws in place designed to combat retail theft. Law enforcement officials also take certain measures, like surveillance systems, undercover officers, and public awareness programs.

You don’t have to face these charges alone and deal with the stress the allegations can have on your personal and professional life. Instead of stewing in the chaos alone, reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney in Olympia who understands how serious these charges can be and what kind of impact they can have on your life.

Washington state classifies theft as a criminal offense under RCW 9A.56. Again, the degree of the theft rests on the value of the stolen property. For example, theft in the first degree (RCW 9A.56.030) is considered the most serious and involves stealing more than $5,000. For an offense of this magnitude, you can face up to 10 years in prison and high fines.

Theft in the second degree involves stealing property valued between $750 and $5,000 and is classified as a Class C felony under RCW 9A.56.040. You can face up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. These crimes often include stealing merchandise and embezzlement.

Theft in the third degree (RCW 9A.56.050) is a gross misdemeanor. You can face up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for these charges. There are also statutes specifically related to shoplifting (under RCW 9A.56.360) that say there are varying degrees of charges and penalties depending on what was stolen and if there is a prior criminal history.

Olympia is the heart of Washington’s government. Here, you can witness a unique mix of criminal activity, and theft charges are among some of the more common offenses. With a busy retail scene, government offices, and residential areas, we all know that theft can happen in a variety of different settings.

The city’s law enforcement is vigilant when it comes to addressing these crimes, so anyone facing theft charges in Olympia should be aware of the legal consequences we outlined above and seek professional advice from skilled criminal defense attorneys in the area.

Criminal defense attorneys can play a big role when it comes to dealing with theft charges in Olympia. Count on them to provide you with expert legal representation while ensuring you receive a fair trial and achieve a favorable outcome. One step the attorney will take is reviewing all the evidence being used against you. They will look for any discrepancies, weaknesses, or constitutional violations that could end up undermining the case.

If any of the evidence suggests there was an unlawful search or an improper accusation, the defense attorney can file motions to suppress or dismiss the case. They can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or lesser penalties while also advocating for alternative sentencing options like rehabilitation programs or community service.

We believe that every theft charge that comes across our desk can be successfully challenged. Our attorneys have been defending clients against theft charges for years. So, if you or a loved one is facing a theft charge, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney today. Our Olympia defense attorneys are aggressive and ready to fight to protect your rights and minimize the consequences attached to the charges you are facing.

A theft conviction can result in devastating consequences. Beyond the possibility of jail, fines, restitution, no contact orders, and probation, a conviction can also prevent you from getting jobs and even a place to rent. A prosecutor is going to take your case seriously so it is very important that you do too.

A theft charge is broken up into three different degrees. Each degree is typically dependant on the value of the items stolen but there are a few exceptions. In some instances, the item stolen is a certain charge no matter the value. For example, if you steal a car or a gun, you will be facing a felony even if their value is under $750.

Typically, when the value of the item stolen is under $750, you will be facing a theft 3° charge which is a gross misdemeanor. This means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. It is also important to remember that whoever you stole from could also try to sue you. This commonly pops up when the victim is a store. Even if they get the property back, they could be seeking restitution. Often, you will receive a civil demand letter from the store or their legal representative demanding compensation for the theft. This amount is typically more than the actual value which is permitted by law.

If the value of the items stolen is above $750 but less than $5,000, then you could be facing a theft 2° charge. This charge is a class C felony which means the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the value of the items stolen is above $5,000, then you are looking at a theft 1° which is a class B felony. Class B felonies have a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

If you are facing a theft charge, it is absolutely vital that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. In some instances, there are more options available in order to reach a favorable resolution. It is in your best interest that you allow your attorney to investigate and discuss these options with both you, the prosecutor, and maybe even the alleged victim.