Grand Theft Laws and Penalties in Seattle, WA

Grand Theft Laws and Penalties in Seattle, WA

The Basics of Theft Charges in Washington

Theft, also known as larceny, is defined in Washington law as wrongfully taking, obtaining, or exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property or services, with the intent to deprive them of the property or services. There are a few key aspects that make up a theft charge:

• Property or services: This includes anything of value, whether it’s physical property, money, labor services, transportation services, etc. Even taking lost or mistakenly delivered property can count as theft if there’s no effort to find the rightful owner.
• Without permission: The property or services are taken without the consent of the owner. Shoplifting from a store is a common example.
• Intent: The person intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property or services. For example, if you accidentally took the wrong coat from a restaurant, it wouldn’t be theft since you didn’t intend to keep it.
• Value: The value of the stolen property or services determines how serious the theft charge is under Washington law. Higher value thefts lead to more serious felony charges.

If you are wrongfully accused of theft, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. Some possible defenses include^[3]:

• Mistaken identity: You were wrongly identified and someone else committed the theft. Eyewitnesses can be unreliable.
• No intent: You didn’t intend to permanently deprive the owner of property. For example, you intended to return a borrowed item.
• No theft occurred: The alleged theft never actually happened. The accusations could be fabricated for ulterior motives.
• Believed you had rights: You had a good faith belief that you had a legal right to the property, even if you were mistaken. This could apply if you attempt to take back property you believe is rightfully yours.
• Duress or necessity: You only took the property because you were under immediate threat or danger. This is not a common defense.

In some cases, such as shoplifting, there can also be civil penalties in addition to criminal charges. It’s important to have an attorney who can help on both fronts.

Grand Theft Laws in Seattle

In Seattle, theft crimes are covered under the Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 12A.08. The laws closely match the state theft laws, with some minor differences:

• Theft of property/services worth $250 or less is a misdemeanor
• Theft of property/services worth more than $250 is a gross misdemeanor

So the threshold values that determine misdemeanors vs. gross misdemeanors are lower than under state law. But otherwise, the laws prohibit the same types of theft activities.

Seattle does not differentiate between degrees of theft charges. The maximum sentences are up to 90 days in jail or $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor, and up to 1 year in jail or $5,000 fine for a gross misdemeanor.

Finding a Seattle Theft Defense Attorney

Theft charges should always be taken seriously, even for petty theft or shoplifting cases. Any theft conviction goes on your permanent criminal record and can impact your job, housing, and other aspects of life.

If you are facing accusations of theft or larceny in Seattle, don’t go it alone. Consult with an experienced local theft defense attorney as soon as possible. They can carefully examine the evidence against you, advise you of your rights and options, and build the strongest defense to achieve the best outcome. This gives you the best chance to avoid conviction or minimize penalties.

When searching for a Seattle theft defense lawyer, look for these important qualifications:

• Extensive experience specifically handling theft cases in Seattle and Washington
• Knowledge of local judges and prosecutors
• Track record of positive results in theft cases
• Strong negotiation skills to secure plea bargains or alternative sentencing when needed
• Commitment to personalized attention and clear communication

Don’t leave your future up to chance. The right theft defense lawyer can make all the difference.