Felony Theft in Washington: What You Need to Know
Authorities determine felony theft — also known as grand theft — by several factors. The monetary amount of the item or service stolen, use of firearms, type of item or service stolen, and whether or not extortion was a factor all come into play when determining what kind of charges will be applied.
Because a felony is such a serious crime, if you are facing felony theft charges in Washington, you need a defense lawyer on your side immediately. The court system is difficult to navigate, and you don't want to make a single mistake that could affect you for the rest of your life. Allow an experienced attorney to walk with you through the system, protecting your rights and giving you the time to better understand the complexities of your case.
Types of Felony Classes
Felony theft in Washington come in Class A, B, or C, with Class A being most serious.
Class C Felony Theft
- Theft of property valued between $750 and $5,000
- Identity theft valued under $1,500
- Any access devices (such as keycards or keys)
- Theft of public records
Class B FelonyTheft
- Theft of property valued above $5,000
- Theft of firearms or vehicles
- Theft from another person taken by force or aggression
- Illegally entering a residence or building with intent to commit theft
- Identity theft valued above $1,500
Class A Felony Theft
- Property taken from an individual by force or aggression while armed with a deadly weapon, or inflicting bodily harm
- Illegally entering a residence or building with intent to commit theft while armed with a deadly weapon, or inflicting bodily harm
- Robbing a financial institution such as a bank
h2. Penalties and Punishments for Felony Theft
The punishments for felony theft are severe. Your felony theft defense attorney will ensure your case is conducted fairly and that your rights are protected. These penalties can vary according to different factors in your case.
- Class C Felony Theft: Five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Class B Felony Theft: 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine
- Class A Felony Theft: Life in prison and a $50,000 fine
If you are charged with felony theft in Tacoma, Washington, reach out to a theft defense attorney. The sooner you start working on your case, the better the chances for a more positive outcome.