Bradley Johnson Attorneys
Theft
When one individual takes property from another without their consent, it is considered a theft crime. The criminal charges filed will vary depending on the value of the property, and you could face either a misdemeanor or felony charge.
In its most basic form, Washington State defines theft as wrongfully obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with the intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.
Penalties
If you are convicted of a theft crime you can suffer a number of penalties, ranging from restitution to hefty fines to significant jail time. Furthermore with a theft conviction on your record it will likely become increasingly difficult to obtain a job. The specific factors in a theft crime are extremely important, as the amount stolen, whether or not a weapon was used, or whether there was bodily harm involved are all reasons to heighten the punishment.
Washington State’s theft laws are quite serious in their penalties. There are three degrees of theft, first degree involving the theft of more than $1500, a felony. Theft in the second degree consists of theft of property more than $250, also a felony. Theft in the third degree involves theft of property valuing less than $250, a gross misdemeanor.
When you have been charged with a theft crime in Washington, you will need to retain the services of an attorney experienced in this field. You can face life-changing legal ramification and cannot afford to be without proper, reliable legal representation. Facing either a gross misdemeanor or a felony is nothing to take lightly, Our lawyers at Bradley Johnson Attorneys have successfully defended those charged with a vast array of theft offenses since we opened our firm doors almost two decades ago.
Larceny
Larceny is a common theft crime in Washington. These cases can typically be solved without going to trial, however it is essential to choose a criminal defense lawyer who has an extensive knowledge of Washington State theft law to make this happen.
In a larceny case the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant took property or assets from another person, that the property or assets were owned by someone other than the defendant, and that the defendant intended to deprive the owner of the property or assets permanently. Larceny from the person is similar; the key difference being the state must prove that the offender took the belonging(s) from another person while they were under that person’s control.
The term property is an umbrella term that encompasses almost anything, but typically refers to any moveable personal property and money. Circumstancial evidence can be enough to prove an offender’s intent to steal, and it is important to note that an attempt or intent to make resitution for the theft is not a justifiable defense in court.
Unarmed Robbery
Robbery differs greatly from theft in that a robbery charge implies that force or fear were the methods by which you deprived another person of their property. As such, a robbery charge will be punished much more severely than a theft offense. Unarmed robbery involves using force or fear to deprive another person of their property, specifically without the use of a weapon. Regardless of that distinction a robbery is a charge prosecutors will aggressively pursue and courts will severely punish.
Armed Robbery
Armed robbery is a serious charge, punishable by up to life in prison. The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, armed with a dangerous weapon of any kind, robbed or stole property from another person. As the sentence prescribes, this is not a charge that should be taken lightly. The devastating effects of an armed robbery conviction include lengthy prison sentences, astronomically high fines, and a blemish on your record that will stick with you even if you are to ever earn back your freedom. These outcomes become acutely more probable if you have prior convictions on your record.
Let us Help
Bradley Johnson Attorneys has had great success in greatly reducing or even dismissing theft charges. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your charge, the state will often aggressively prosecute theft crimes, as theft is viewed as an affront to our society’s most basic liberties and rights. Our firm is a leader in the criminal defense community in this area and we would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your case, and show you how we can help you get the best possible legal outcome.
Contact Bradley Johnson Attorneys now to set up a free, full one hour consultation to discuss your criminal defense options. There is a reason people all over Washington have put their faith in our sophisticated expertise and trust us to handle their criminal defense needs. Call us now at 206.223.4020 and let us show you just how much of a difference we can make. Early intervention is a key to success; call so that we may help you today. |
