Shoplifting and Theft Charges for Juveniles in Seattle

Shoplifting and Theft Charges for Juveniles in Seattle

Shoplifting and theft charges can have serious consequences for juveniles in Seattle. As a parent, it’s important to understand the laws and potential penalties if your child gets caught stealing. This article provides an overview of juvenile shoplifting laws in Seattle, typical punishments, and defense strategies that may help reduce penalties.

Shoplifting Laws in Seattle

In Seattle, shoplifting and theft crimes are charged based on the value of the stolen merchandise or property. The higher the value, the more serious the charge:

• Shoplifting less than $750 in goods is a gross misdemeanor
• Shoplifting between $750 – $5000 in goods is second-degree theft, a class C felony
• Shoplifting over $5000 in goods is first-degree theft, a class B felony

Shoplifting a firearm or motor vehicle is automatically first-degree theft, regardless of value. Stealing directly from another person is also charged as first-degree theft. (See RCW 9A.56 for details.)

For juveniles under 18, the court has discretion to try the case in juvenile or adult court. Juvenile courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. But for serious shoplifting charges, the prosecutor may push to try juveniles as adults.

Penalties for Juvenile Shoplifting

If your child is caught shoplifting in Seattle, here are some potential penalties they face:

• Gross misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in juvenile detention, community service, fines up to $1000, participation in a theft awareness program. Parents may be liable for civil damages up to $1425.
• Second-degree theft felony: Up to 30 days in juvenile detention, community service, fines, theft awareness program. Juvenile records are destroyed at 18. Parents civilly liable for up to $1425.
• First-degree theft felony: Up to 30 days in detention, community service, fines, theft awareness program. Records sealed but not destroyed at 18. Parents civilly liable for up to $1425.

For serious shoplifting charges, prosecutors may try juveniles as adults. If convicted in adult court, penalties can include jail time, fines up to $20,000, and a permanent criminal record.

Seattle’s Trespass Program

Many major retailers in Seattle participate in the Trespass Program. This program allows stores to ban shoplifters for 1 year. If caught in the store again, you can be arrested for criminal trespass.

For juveniles, the ban lasts 90 days instead of 1 year. The juvenile and parents must sign the trespass notice. If caught violating the ban, penalties can include fines up to $1000 and 90 days in detention.

Hiring a Lawyer for Defense

While shoplifting charges may seem scary, a criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate reduced penalties or even get charges dropped, especially for first-time offenders. Here are some defenses a lawyer may use:

• You lacked criminal intent (required for theft charges)
• Someone else was responsible for the theft
• You intended to pay but forgot, or there was confusion at checkout
• You have a medical condition that contributed to the incident
• The value of stolen goods was improperly estimated

An attorney can also argue for trying your case in juvenile rather than adult court. They may also negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce charges and limit penalties. While legal defense can be expensive, it’s often worthwhile to avoid a criminal record.

Avoiding Shoplifting Charges

As a parent, you play a big role in keeping your child from shoplifting. Here are some tips:

• Set a positive example with your own behavior
• Make it clear you do not tolerate stealing under any circumstances
• Know where your child is and who they’re with
• Check in with other parents about activities and supervision
• Keep your child busy with sports, hobbies, jobs, volunteer work
• Make time to regularly talk with your child about peer pressure, values, goals
• Get counseling if necessary to address underlying issues

Shoplifting and theft charges can derail a young person’s future. But understanding the laws, potential penalties, and defense options can help you make the best choices for your child if they get into trouble in Seattle.