Theft Crimes in Washington State

Theft crimes in the State of Washington range from shoplifting misdemeanors to armed robbery felonies. Basically, theft involves taking another's property without their consent with the intent to deprive them of it. A theft crime may be committed through various ways, as either a nonviolent offense perpetrated through deceit or misrepresentation or a violent crime using threats of force or actual force to accomplish the act. In a theft charge, as in any criminal charge, the facts and circumstances of the case will determine how it is charged and how it is punished upon conviction. For anyone facing a theft crime charge or criminal investigation into theft activity, seeking professional legal representation is imperative if you wish to obtain the most optimum case results. At the Matto Law Firm, PLLC you will find a skilled attorney who has devoted his legal practice exclusively to criminal defense. Seattle criminal defense lawyer Jag Matto offers focused, dedicated, and highly knowledgeable legal representation to clients facing any type of theft charge in and around the Seattle area.

Types of Theft Crimes

Common types of theft crimes include shoplifting, identity theft, possession of stolen property, trafficking in stolen property, embezzlement, burglary, robbery, passing bad checks, credit card fraud, and theft in the first, second, and third degree. The penalties you may face upon conviction of such crimes may depend on the facts of the case, as in the quantity of property or funds stolen, whether weapons or force was used, whether other crimes were committed during the theft act, and any previous criminal history.

Theft in the first degree is a felony which involves stealing property valued at $5,000 or more. Theft in the second degree involves stealing property valued between $750 and $5,000 and is a lesser felony. Theft in the third degree is stealing property valued less than $750 and can include shoplifting. This crime is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to one year in jail.

Aside from the criminal penalties you may face upon conviction of a theft crime, you may also face civil charges from a retail store demanding payment for any theft against it. You may also face a court order for restitution upon a theft conviction. Above and beyond these penalties, a theft conviction will result in a permanent criminal record which can be accessed on a routine background check by future employers and professional licensing agencies.