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Lynnwood Theft Crime Defense Lawyer

Comprehensive Guidance Through Washington Theft Crime Charges

If you have been charged with theft or a theft-related crime in Lynnwood or anywhere else in Washington state, it is probably a frightening time for you right now. You may have been stopped by security, contacted by the police, or even arrested. You likely have no experience with the system and have never been in trouble before. You may wonder if you are going to go to jail, lose your job, or end up with a criminal record. Well, rest assured that an experienced Lynnwood theft crime attorney can put your mind at ease and help you attempt to avoid those terrible consequences.

At the Law Office of Lance Fryrear, we have helped countless clients successfully avoid jail time, costly trials, and even convictions altogether. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our theft crime defense attorney in Lynnwood.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Washington

Theft charges in Washington hold severe penalties. The penalties for other theft crimes in Washington vary according to the value of the goods allegedly taken.

The breakdown follows these guidelines:

Property Value Less than $750:
- Charged as a gross misdemeanor
- Jail sentence of up to one year
- Fine up to $5,000
Property Value Between $750-$5,000:
- Charged as a Class C felony
- Potential prison sentence of up to 5 years
- Fine of up to $10,000
Property Value More than $5,000:
- Charged as a Class B felony
- Prison sentence of up to 10 years
- Fine of up to $20,000

If you have been arrested or charged for any of the above offenses, obtain a skilled Lynnwood theft crime attorney from our firm right away.

What Is Considered Felony Theft in Washington State?

In Washington state, theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen property or services. Possible theft crimes that can be charged as felonies include:

Theft in the 2^nd Degree (Class C felony) – stolen property or services valued between $750 and $5,000 and punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and up to five years imprisonment
Theft in the 1^st Degree (Class B felony) – stolen property or services valued more than $5,000 and punishable by up to a $20,000 fine and up to 10 years imprisonment

Theft & Shoplifting in Washington

Theft crimes involving property of a value of more than $750 are considered a felony in Washington State. Even if you actually did what they are accusing you of, you may still be able to keep a felony theft off of your record. Some counties offer adult diversion or drug court options. These are not easy to get into. If we are able to get you into one of these programs (Snohomish County has a program called TAP, for example), you may be able to keep from going to jail or even being convicted.

If you are charged with any felony theft, such as Theft 1, Theft 2, Possession of Stolen Property, or Burglary, the best thing to do is to contact a Lynnwood theft crime lawyer at (425) 224-7075 right away so we can see what steps we need to take immediately to give you the best chance for success.

Possession & Trafficking in Stolen Property in Washington

In addition to handling standard theft crime charges, we take on cases that involve the possession or trafficking of stolen property. Trafficking in stolen property is typically a more serious offense than possessing stolen property, and a defendant in Washington may face criminal charges.

If someone knows or should reasonably know that property is stolen but willingly possesses, conceals, receives, disposes of, or traffics this property, he or she may face charges for possessing stolen property or trafficking in stolen property.

These are most often felony theft charges, and a defendant may face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted (depending on the value and type of property involved as well as the offense itself).

Defense Strategies Against Theft Charges

When it comes to theft crimes, a careful investigation is an imperative first step in developing an effective legal defense. Even if you are guilty of the crime, our Lynnwood theft crime attorney may still be able to get your case dismissed by using the civil demand of a store or by negotiating to keep you out of jail based on your lack of any prior history and the reasons why the event happened.

Additionally, some defenses our team can explore against theft crimes may include:

Mistaken identity
Lack of intent to steal
Claim of right or ownership
Consent from the owner
Entrapment
Police misconduct or violation of rights

We are committed to helping you navigate the legal system and reach the best possible result for your case. In the state of Washington, the severity of a theft charge depends on the type and value of the items allegedly stolen. Regardless of the severity of the charge, it is imperative that you hire a Lynnwood theft crime lawyer, as a conviction can entail extended jail time, fines, community service, and restitution.

Our Lynnwood Theft Crime Attorney Can Defend You

Need an attorney for a theft case in Lynnwood, WA? One of our attorneys, Lance Fryrear, is a former prosecutor, uniquely positioning him to defend your case. Taking action immediately is of the utmost importance so your case can be assessed and dealt with in a timely fashion with minimum damage to your life and loved ones. We are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Accused or arrested for any form of theft? Contact our Lynnwood theft crime defense lawyer right away for a free consultation.

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At The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (425) 224-7075 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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