Hire Our Award-Winning Lawyer for Optimal Defense
Were you accused of a theft crime in Washington? The Law Offices of Kim E. Hunter is dedicated to vigorous criminal defense. Our lead attorney has been chosen to the Super Lawyers® list every year since 2015. She comes highly praised by the Washington State Bar and has a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating. At our firm, we blend customer-centered service with ethical, knowledgeable representation. We stand for justice. If you have been wrongly accused, we want to fight for your rights.
What Is a Theft Crime?
The state of Washington defines theft crime as a situation where someone wrongfully takes or obtains property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of that property. It is also considered theft to wrongfully deprive someone of payment for goods and services or to wrongfully deprive someone of a good or service for which they paid.
Theft is an umbrella term for a wide variety of offenses including:
- Shoplifting
- Petty theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Theft of a firearm
The definition of theft is broad, and this is by no means a comprehensive explanation. Call our Kent theft crimes lawyer if you would like to learn more about the legal definition of this crime. Your first consultation is always free.
The Three Degrees of Theft
Washington courts use three different classifications for penalizing theft crimes. Theft in the first degree is a Class B felony and comes with up to $20,000 and up to 10 years of imprisonment. First-degree theft involves more than $5,000 in stolen goods or services.
Second-degree theft is a class C felony and involves crimes where the property stolen amounts to more than $750 and less than $5,000. It can result in five years of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
Lastly, third-degree theft is considered a gross misdemeanor. Any stolen goods or services valuing less than $750 fall into this category. Penalties may include one year in the county jail and fines up to $5,000.
Ethical & Effective Defense
At your complimentary consultation, we will discuss your side of the story. We may be able to prove your innocence based on an alibi, your claim to ownership or rights to the property in question, entrapment, miscommunication and misunderstandings, or intoxication. We want to customize a case to specifically deal with your unique situation.
Call our Kent theft crimes lawyer today. Our number is (253) 709-5050.
