Robbery, Burglary, Shoplifting Lawyers With Offices in Lynnwood, Kent, and Marysville
Your Stalwart Defender Against Theft Accusations
When facing a theft or burglary accusation, it might be possible that you did not realize you possessed someone else’s personal property, or that you may have obtained the object in question without criminal intent. It may also be possible that you have been wrongfully accused and never actually had the object in the first place. Regardless of the situation, your defense strategy is crucial, and a skilled criminal defense attorney can aggressively fight for your rights in a theft case.
Getting arrested is a confusing and frightening experience. If you or a family member has been arrested for aggravated theft, shoplifting, robbery or other property crime, you need an experienced and skilled legal team. At Feldman & Lee, our lawyers have the aggressiveness and knowledge necessary to defend your rights and put you in the best position possible. If you or someone you love faces aggravated theft or burglary charges, contact Feldman & Lee for a consultation.
Feldman & Lee PS is a trusted criminal defense law firm serving individuals in Kent, Lynnwood, and Everett. We have more than two decades of experience handling theft and burglary charges in Washington state.
Theft and Burglary Cases
We handle burglary and theft cases that involve
- Aggravated Theft
- Auto Theft
- Shoplifting
- Destruction of Property
- Malicious Mischief
- Removal of Property
- Robbery
Feldman & Lee, PS will Fight for You
Accusations of theft have life-altering legal consequences that range from difficulties obtaining a job or advancing at work, to an inability to secure child custody or visitation rights, and inability to travel abroad. Due to the gravity of the consequences of a theft charge, it’s always in your best interests to enlist the services of an experienced theft attorney.
Whether you are facing a shoplifting, auto theft case, or any other theft or burglary accusation, Feldman & Lee, PS will be your stalwart defender. Our experienced attorneys will make sure that your rights are not violated. We gather evidence on your behalf, and look into the strongest defense strategies that we can take on.
Some of the defense strategies we may consider include:
- Lack of evidence on the side of the prosecutor
- Consent coming from the property owner
- Mistake of identity
For almost two decades, Feldman & Lee has been helping individuals throughout Washington state contest their criminal charges and obtain the best possible resolution for their case. When we take on a case, we make sure it receives the dedicated, aggressive, legal counsel and the resources it deserves. We assist you every step of the way in the event the case escalates to a criminal theft trial.
Degrees of Burglary and Theft Under Washington Law
Different Washington statutes define the degrees of theft offenses. Every degree in a theft offense is a different felony or misdemeanor charge with a unique maximum punishment.
First Degree
RCW 9A.56.030 states that you may be charged with first-degree theft if you steal:
- Property of any value, other, that is not a vehicle or firearm, taken from an individual;
- Property or services, that is not a firearm, with a value of over $5,000;
- A search and rescue dog animal that is on duty; or
- Commercial or private metal property or a non-ferrous metal property, creating damage that exceeds $5,000
Second Degree
RCW 9A.56.040 outlines second-degree theft. You can be convicted of this crime if commit a theft of:
- An access device
- A writing, public record, or instrument filed or kept within a public office;
- Property or services, that are not a firearm or vehicle, with a value of between $750 and $5,000; or
- Commercial or private metal property or non-ferrous metal property with damage that exceeds $750, but is less than $5,000;
Third Degree
RCA 9A.56.060 defines third-degree theft. You can be charged with this crime if you steal:
- Property or services with a value of $750 or less; or
- Ten or more beverage crates, merchandise pallets, or a combination of these
There are few accusations that tarnish your reputation as harshly and quickly as being labeled a thief. Worse, a criminal conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which may impact different aspects of both your professional and personal life.
Certainly, having a theft on your record is an onerous distinction and could derail any promising job opportunities. Whenever we handle a case that involves theft, our first priority is to keep it off your record. Our second priority is to keep you out of jail. We negotiate with the prosecution to get them to lower or drop the charges. In addition, in some situations we are permitted to discuss the case with the victim to determine whether restitution can be made in lieu of pursuing criminal prosecution.
Don’t let the possible penalties associated with a theft conviction affect your future. Get in touch with one of our attorneys at Feldman & Lee PS to receive the aggressive representation and thorough defense investigation your theft or burglary case deserves. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
