Are you currently facing charges for property crimes in Federal Way? If so, you need to speak to our Federal Way criminal defense lawyers immediately.
The consequences of a property crime conviction can involve prison time and paying restitution to the owner, among other administrative and financial penalties.
The team at NextLaw has over 100 years of combined legal experience and a dedication to serving justice. We can defend you against property crime charges and seek the best possible resolution that preserves your liberty to the maximum extent.
Call Dan Next today to schedule a case consultation with a knowledgeable Federal Way property crimes lawyer.
How Property Crimes Lawyers Can Help You
Despite what many might think, hiring criminal defense lawyers is not an admission of guilt. Our property crimes lawyers can help defend you against charges and represent you during each step of the criminal justice process. The US justice system is imperfect, and attorneys from NextLaw can protect your right to a fair and speedy trial.
With property crimes, you should hire our lawyers from NextLaw as soon as possible. Evidence for these cases can fade quickly, and you need attorneys who can investigate and build a robust defense.
Ideally, we can have your case dismissed or, if necessary, seek an acquittal during trial. We have extensive experience in court and understand court procedure in Washington State.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Federal Way, call (253) 238-2558
Examples of Property Crimes We Manage
Property crimes are crimes involving the illegal destruction or taking of property. Although generally less serious than violent crimes or sex crimes, property crimes can still cause great harm to the person whose property is impacted.
Below are some of the cases that our Federal Way property crimes lawyers can oversee:
Theft
Theft is the illegal taking of someone’s property with the intent to deprive them. Theft in Federal Way is classified into degrees based on the value of the stolen property:
- Third degree theft – Less than $750
- Second-degree theft – Between $750 and $5,000
- First-degree theft- Greater than $5,000
Fraud in Washington concerns theft of property by using deception or false pretenses and includes offenses like forgery or identity theft.
Vandalism
Vandalism, or malicious mischief as RCW 9A.48.090 calls it, consists of willfully destroying or damaging another’s property. This includes acts of destruction and defacing, such as graffiti or tagging public or private property.
Trespassing
Criminal trespassing is unlawfully entering someone’s property without their permission and comes in two degrees:
- First-degree trespassing – unlawfully entering a building on someone’s property
- Second-degree trespassing – knowingly entering another’s property that is not a building
Trespassing includes entering property without permission and also refusing to leave the property when asked.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting or retail theft is the act of stealing from commercial retail outlets. Shoplifting is covered under the state’s theft laws and punished according to the value of the stolen property.
You can be charged with shoplifting even if you don’t actually leave the store, so long as you intend to steal the item. If two or more people steal from an organization, they can be charged with organized retail theft, which carries harsher penalties than simple theft charges.
Burglary
Burglary in Federal Way is defined as illegally entering a structure or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. Importantly, you don’t actually have to commit the intended crime to receive a burglary charge.
Second-degree burglary is entering a building without any aggravating factors, while first-degree burglary consists of entering a building while armed with a deadly weapon or assaulting someone.
Arson
Arson is the act of knowingly causing a fire or explosion that damages property. Arson that damages only property is second-degree arson, while arson that causes or creates a serious risk of injury or death is first-degree arson. Arson for the purposes of insurance fraud is also first-degree arson.
Federal Way Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Punishment for Property Crimes in Federal Way
The punishments for property crimes vary significantly depending on the specific act. Some property crimes, like theft under $750, are lower-level gross misdemeanors that can carry up to a year in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
Others, like first-degree arson or burglary, can be charged as Class A felonies, which can carry a 20-year prison sentence and fines up to $50,000.
In addition to criminal penalties, offenders may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim equal to the value of the lost property, plus other costs incurred by its loss.
Click to contact our Federal Way Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Defenses Against Property Crime Charges
Below are some common argumentative patterns that our Federal Way property crimes lawyers can defend you against charges:
- Lack of criminal intent. Many property crimes, like theft or fraud, require a specific criminal intent. If you didn’t intend to commit the act, the prosecution cannot secure a conviction.
- Reasonable claim to ownership. Another defense is when there is a reasonable dispute about property ownership. You may have taken or altered something that you reasonably believed you owned.
- Constitutional and process violations. If the police illegally searched your person or violated your rights in other ways, your lawyers could petition to have evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.
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Contact Our Property Crimes Lawyers in Federal Way
A conviction for property crimes, even low-level offenses, can follow you for the rest of your life and severely limit your freedoms and future opportunities. NextLaw can defend you against the charges and work to avoid the worst consequences of a conviction or seek alternative forms of punishment.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a property crimes lawyer in Federal Way.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form