Property crimes involving theft are some of the most common criminal offenses. People may end up accused of shoplifting or stealing from a neighbor. When a business or individual notifies the authorities about an alleged property crime, the person accused of theft could face criminal charges.
Many people facing accusations of non-violent theft offenses expect to face misdemeanor criminal charges. However, prosecutors tend to bring the harshest charges they can justify based on the circumstances. In some cases, the charges brought can be more serious than the defendant initially expected.
Can those accused of theft in Washington end up facing felony charges rather than misdemeanor charges?
Theft can be a felony offense in some situations
State law goes into great detail outlining the different types of theft offenses and the possible penalties. As the value of the property increases, the severity of the charges and the penalties imposed also increases. There are also certain types of property that can lead to more serious charges and consequences.
The most important consideration is the fair market value of the items allegedly taken. If the total value of the misappropriated resources is under $750, the person accused is likely to face misdemeanor charges. The penalties could include up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Once the value of the resources reaches $750, the defendant is at risk of felony charges. The penalties increase to a maximum of 10 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
Certain types of property could also result in prosecutors pursuing felony charges, even if their fair market value is below the $750 threshold. Public records, financial tools like debit cards, certain types of metal, firearms and motor vehicles are all types of property that generally lead to felony charges.
Reviewing the state’s allegations and current statutes can help defendants understand the nature of the charges and the penalties they may face. Those accused of theft offenses may be able to defend against those allegations if they have support as they plan their response to those charges.
The unique circumstances leading to the allegations can influence the best defense strategy. Defendants typically need help understanding their rights and preparing to respond to their charges in court, and that’s okay.