If you’ve been charged with a property crime in Washington, you might hear terms like theft or burglary used interchangeably. But under Washington law, these are not the same thing. While both involve unlawfully taking or attempting to take something that is not yours, the legal definitions - and potential consequences - are quite different. Please [...]
In Washington State, stealing a car is not always charged the same way. Depending on the circumstances, a person may face charges for theft of a motor vehicle or for taking a motor vehicle without permission - a crime often referred to as "joyriding." While both crimes involve the unauthorized use of a car, Washington [...]
In Washington State, theft is classified into three degrees based primarily on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft. Each degree carries different penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you or someone you know is facing theft charges, understanding the distinctions between the degrees of theft is crucial. [...]
Under Washington law, you can be prosecuted for a crime if you fail to properly return a rental car. While the specific penalties for the offense will vary depending on the value of the rental car, you could face felony charges punishable by up to ten years in prison. Please contact a skilled Washington criminal [...]
Carjacking in Washington is the crime where someone takes another person’s motor vehicle by means of force or threatened force. The offense is a serious felony that can result in life in prison. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you or a loved one is facing any type of theft or robbery [...]
Washington law makes it a crime for you to make or possess motor vehicle theft tools, like slim jims or lock pullers. The crime can lead to gross misdemeanor charges punishable by up to a year in jail. If you are facing any type of vehicle theft charge in Washington, please contact a skilled criminal [...]
Washington’s organized retail theft law makes it a crime for you to steal property from an establishment and do so while working with another person. The crime is a serious felony offense that can result in 10 years in state prison. Please contact a criminal defense attorney now if you are facing charges of a [...]
Under Washington law, it’s a crime if you take someone else's vehicle without that person’s consent and then do certain other things with it (like change the vehicle’s appearance or remove its parts). Taking a vehicle in the first degree is a serious felony offense that is punishable by up to 10 years in state [...]
You are guilty of a crime in Washington if you intentionally take a vehicle without the permission of the owner. The offense is often referred to as “joyriding.” The crime is a serious felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) that can lead to a jail term of up to five years. If you or a [...]
Under Washington law, you are guilty of a crime if you possess a stolen vehicle. The offense is a serious felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) that is punishable by up to a decade in state prison. Please contact a criminal defense lawyer now if you are facing criminal charges. What is the Crime of [...]
