Are you facing charges for a property crime like theft or vandalism? If so, you need experienced Olympia criminal defense lawyers on your side.
Property crimes can be met with harsh punishment, especially if they are connected with the commission of another crime. Lawyers can defend you from the charges and work with the prosecution to mitigate the consequences of a conviction.
NextLaw has over 100 years of combined legal experience on our team and a passion for serving justice. We have overseen more than 150 successful jury trials and can be counted on to provide competent and effective legal representation.
Contact our offices today or call by phone to speak to an Olympia property crimes lawyer.
How Olympia Property Crimes Lawyers Can Help You
Although not as severe as violent crimes, property crimes can greatly harm those impacted, and the state vigorously pursues offenders. Property crimes lawyers can analyze the details of your case, gather evidence, and argue for your innocence against the charges.
More specifically, a criminal defense lawyer can look for gaps in the prosecution’s evidence or argument to inject reasonable doubt. A lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors to secure lesser charges or punishment in exchange for a guilty plea.
Despite what some might think, hiring a lawyer is not a tacit admission of guilt. You should hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and give you a better chance of beating the charges or securing a lesser sentence.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Olympia, call (253) 238-2558
Common Property Crimes and Penalties in Olympia
Property crimes are criminal acts that involve the illegal taking or destruction of property. Property crimes can be distinguished from violent crimes in that they generally don’t include the use of force against another. However, property crimes may be committed in conjunction with a violent offense, like assault and battery.
Below are some of the most common types of cases our Olympia property crime lawyers oversee:
Theft/Shoplifting
Theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to deprive them. Theft charges can be a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the value of the stolen property. Thresholds and penalties include the following:
- <$750: Gross misdemeanor, 364 days in jail
- $750–$5,000: Class C felony, five years in prison
- $5,000+: Class B felony, ten years in prison
In addition to prison, those convicted of theft may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim equal to the value of the stolen/lost property.
Auto Theft
Given the severity of the crime, Washington has specific penalties for stealing a car. According to RCW 9A.56.065, theft of a motor vehicle is a Class B felony that can carry up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Offenders may face steeper penalties for aggravating circumstances, like using a weapon to commit auto theft.
Malicious Mischief (Vandalism)
Vandalism, or malicious mischief, as Washington calls it, is knowingly causing damage to another person’s property. This includes both the intentional destruction and defacing of private or public property (e.g., graffiti).
Malicious mischief is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor and carries a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and a fine of up to $5,000.
However, vandalism can be charged as a felony offense if the damage to the property amounts to more than $750. It can also be charged as a felony if the vandalism causes harm to another person.
Trespassing
Trespassing consists of unlawfully entering another’s property or remaining when lawfully asked to leave. Trespassing in the second degree involves intruding on someone’s property, while trespassing in the first degree is entering or refusing to leave a building. Second-degree trespassing is a gross misdemeanor, while first-degree trespassing is a misdemeanor.
Burglary
A person is guilty of burglary when they intrude on another’s property with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft. Committing a burglary offense while carrying a deadly weapon or assaulting someone is a Class A felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 41 months for a first-time offender.
Olympia Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Potential Defenses Against Property Crime Accusations
Below are common defenses to property crime charges that a criminal defense lawyer can use:
- No intent. Many property crimes, such as theft, require you to have the right criminal intent to be guilty.
- Lawful possession. A lawyer can argue that you had the consent of the owner when you committed the alleged act.
- Necessity. There may be some immediate emergency requiring you to enter, take, or damage another’s property, like breaking into a building to put out a fire.
- Rightful claim. You may have had a reasonable belief that the property you took or damaged rightfully belonged to you.
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Call Dan Next: Property Crimes Lawyer in Olympia
NextLaw is proud to provide legal representation for those accused of property crimes in Olympia. Our team of former prosecutors can provide the legal and emotional support necessary to face your charges and fight for the best possible outcome to your case.
Send us a message online or call today to speak to a property crimes lawyer in Olympia.
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