University Place Theft

Did you know that theft is the most commonly committed crime in the United States?

The term “theft” covers a vast array of criminal charges that range from stealing a loaf of bread to armed robbery or carjacking.

Washington State Statute RCW 9A.56.020 lays out three specific definitions for the crime of theft

“(a) To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
(b) By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
(c) To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.”

No matter what type of theft you or a loved one have been charged with, you should seek the advice of a Pierce County theft lawyer who can help you explore your defense options.

Now, if you’re like most people you may not have much if any experience hiring an attorney. If you’ve never had a brush with the law before, the prospect of finding and hiring a lawyer may seem daunting.

The first thing you should know when looking for a theft attorney is that it is our job to answer any and all questions you may have, such as

• What are some common defenses for theft?
• Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been wrongfully accused of theft in Pierce County?
• Is it illegal to possess stolen property in Washington state?

To that end, we have below a basic overview of commonly asked questions about theft charges in Pierce County. Our firm also offers a free case consultation to every prospective client so that we can learn the details of your specific charges, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today so that we may review your case and start planning your defense.

• Theft in the 1st Degree- This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued at or above $5,000, or the theft includes a firearm or motor vehicle. Theft 1 is a Class B Felony and is the most serious theft charge in Pierce County.
• Theft in the 2nd Degree- This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued from $750 to $5,000, or when the stolen item is an account access device like a key-card or access code. Theft 2 is a Class C Felony.
• Theft in the 3rd Degree- This charge is applied when the stolen property or cash is valued below $750. Most shoplifting crimes, also known as retail theft, are charged as Theft in the 3rd degree. Theft 3 is a gross misdemeanor, which carries less severe punishments than felony charges
• Possession of Stolen Property in the 1st Degree- This charge is applied when the accused holds stolen property or goods that exceed $5000 in value and is a Class B Felony.
• Possession of Stolen Property in the 2nd Degree- This charge is applied when the accused holds stolen property or goods that value between $750-$5000, public records, or access devices, and is a Class C Felony.
• Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree- This charge is applied when the accused holds stolen property or goods worth less than $750 and is considered a gross misdemeanor.

To put it quite simply, robbery is theft with the addition of the alleged perpetrator using violence, force, or the threat of violence in the act of committing theft.

The most common misconception with a burglary charge is that the alleged perpetrator must have entered a building unlawfully and stolen something of value that did not belong to them.

In Washington state, the act of burglary is more focused on entering and remaining on a person or business’s property unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime. That means that you can commit burglary without theft. An example would be if Billy breaks into Susan’s house to watch her sleep, he’s guilty of burglary (and also possibly stalking).

While many states consider larceny to be a specific charge that exists under the umbrella term of “theft crimes,” Washington state makes no such distinction.

Just as there are a wide variety of theft crimes in University Place, there are numerous potential penalties ranging from a fine to serious prison time.

The far-reaching consequences that result from being convicted of a theft crime include expensive fines, incarceration, restitution, probation and/or community service, and a permanent criminal record.

For example, the lowest theft charge in Pierce County, theft in the third degree, is a gross misdemeanor. Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, theft in the first degree is a Class B Felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

Oftentimes a skilled criminal defense attorney can settle theft charges before having to appear in court. However, each case is unique, and some theft charges will require a client to go to trial.

If your theft charge makes it to trial, you will either have to appear at the Pierce County District Court or the Pierce County Superior Court. Both courts are located in Tacoma, and which courthouse you will need to make an appearance in is dependent upon several factors, including the value of the stolen property and where the alleged crime took place.

For more information about trial locations, please contact our firm today. We offer a free case consultation to all prospective clients to answer any questions you may have about your specific charges.

At our firm, we understand that this time in your life can be stressful and it is imperative that you retain the legal counsel of a trusted attorney. When you work with our team of University Place legal professionals, we will investigate every aspect of your case and ensure that your rights were not violated. We will examine witnesses, police statements, and records, as well as the goods that were allegedly stolen. With the help of our firm, you may be able to have your charges greatly reduced or dismissed.

We take great pride in providing an aggressive legal defense to individuals who are facing criminal charges in Pierce County. A theft charge is very serious, and a conviction can lead to lengthy jail time. It can also have serious effects when it comes to employment options as you move forward. Everyone makes mistakes. Our University Place criminal defense attorneys will fight hard to ensure that you can put this embarrassing incident behind you and, hopefully, move forward without a criminal charge on your record. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation.