Theft

Stolen_bike1Property crimes – including Theft – are some of the most highly litigated charges in our courts today. Similar property crimes include Shoplifting, Larceny, Burglary and Robbery. If you are accused of a Theft crime, regardless of the value of the item or service involved, you must discuss your legal options with attorney Alexander Ransom as soon as possible.

Theft is defined as one or more of the following:

  • To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
  • By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or
  • To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.

Consequences

Whether the charges stem from misunderstanding or a lapse in judgment, your future is at stake. In Washington, Theft is considered a crime of dishonesty. As a result, potential employers are unlikely to hire defendants who are convicted of theft crimes. Additionally, your credibility can be questioned if you testify in any future court proceedings.

Defenses

Fortunately, attorney Alexander Ransom is very experienced at litigating the procedural and substantive defenses for Theft charges. For example, it is a sufficient defense that the property or service was appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title made in good faith, even though the claim was later found untenable (untrue). Other defenses include accident, lack of intent, voluntary intoxication, lack of evidence, diminished capacity, mutual combat, etc. Alexander thoroughly investigates cases and contacts witnesses to get their version of events.

Dismissal Through Compromise of Misdemeanor

In some cases, Alexander has succeeded in dismissing Theft cases through a statutory  framework called a Compromises of Misdemeanor. This resolution allows dismissal of the charges if the defendant pays for the damages to the property and the victim signs a declaration stating they were paid and do not want the defendant prosecuted. For more information, please read Alexander’s Legal Guide titled, Dismissing Property Cases: The Compromise of Misdemeanor.

In other cases, Alexander has conducted jury trials and received favorable outcomes in the form of acquittals or dismissals. Please review Alexander’s Verdicts and Results involving Theft charges.

Prosecutors and judges consider a number of issues in Theft cases. Ultimately, the consequences for Theft charges are based on the value of the damaged item. Coincidentally, there are three degrees of Theft ranging from a class B felony to a gross misdemeanor:

Theft in the First Degree                                                                                                                              Class B Felony punishable up to 10 years prison and a $20,000.00 fine.

Theft in the Second Degree                                                                                                                        Class C Felony punishable up to 5 years prison and a $10,000.00 fine.

Theft in the Third Degree                                                                                                                          Gross Misdemeanor punishable up to 1 year jail and a $5,000.00 fine.

If you or someone you care about faces Theft charges in Skagit County or Whatcom County, call attorney Alexander Ransom today for a free, no-pressure case evaluation.