Accused of Shoplifting?

Kirkland Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Shoplifting charges are should not be taken lightly. It doesn’t matter if you allegedly stole $150 shoes or a $1,500 laptop: The law will do everything it can to punish you. You may attempt to keep your accusation a secret from your family and friends because you’re uncomfortable or embarrassed about what happened, but at Knauss Law Firm, you don’t have to worry. I have dedicated my profession to handling cases like yours and I know how to get shoplifting charges dropped or sentencing reduced.

When you hire me to represent your shoplifting case, you can trust that I will dedicate my experience, passion and skills to helping you negotiate for the best possible outcome.

Penalties

Shoplifting Penalties

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, it’s important to understand that your charge will appear as a theft crime because Washington doesn’t differentiate between the two. Thus, your penalty will depend on the value of the item allegedly stolen.

You may be punished with a misdemeanor or felony charge if convicted:

01.

1st degree theft: Class B Felony

Property or services valued over $5,000 other than a firearm
Property of any value taken from the person of another
A search and rescue dog while it is on duty
Commercial metal property, nonferrous metal property, or private metal property, as those terms are defined in RCW

Penalties include:

Up to 10 years in jail
Up to a $20,000 fine

02.

2nd degree theft: Class C Felony

Property or services valued at $750 to $5,000 other than a firearm or a motor vehicle
A public record, writing, or instrument kept, filed, or deposited according to law with, or in the keeping of, any public office or public servant
Commercial metal property, nonferrous metal property, or private metal property and the costs of the damage to the owner's property is between $750 and $5,000
An access device

Penalties include:

Up to 5 years in jail
Up to a $10,000 fine

03.

3rd degree theft: Gross Misdemeanor

A person is guilty of theft in the third degree if he or she:
Commits theft of property or services valued at up to $750
Commits theft of property or services, which includes ten or more merchandise pallets, or ten or more beverage crates, or a combination of ten or more merchandise pallets and beverage crates

Penalties include:

Up to 1 year in jail
Up to a $5,000 fine

Defenses

Possible Defenses to Shoplifting

I am passionate about protecting your rights and reputation, as I’ve seen how life-changing a shoplifting conviction can be. You may have difficulty applying for university, a job, or even housing if you are convicted of this crime. My goal is to help you work toward achieving success by using aggressive, effective defense strategies on your behalf.

Count on me to help fight your shoplifting charges with defense tactics such as:

Lack of Intent: Mistakenly or unknowingly shoplifting.
Asportation: The alleged shoplifted items must have been carried away or detached from the owner and transported to the defendant’s possession. I will work to help disprove asportation.
Claim of Right: The defendant believed they had a right to the property.
Lack of Presence: The defendant was not at the scene at the time the crime was committed.
Misidentification: The prosecution mistakenly identified you, and someone else committed the crime.
Crime Did Not Happen: The accuser lied and made a false claim.

Former Prosecutor Defending Your Shoplifting Case

The most important aspect of your shoplifting case is who you call after you are charged: You must hire me as your Kirkland shoplifting defense lawyer to advocate for your best interests. I obtain valuable experience on both sides of the courtroom as a former prosecutor, meaning I can predict the other side’s attacks before they happen and proactively prepare defense tactics for what may come. Once you retain my top-rated guidance for your shoplifting case, you can trust that I will support you every step of the way.

Your first consultation is free! Contact me online or call (425) 300-5566 to schedule your case evaluation.

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