Theft Crime Lawyer in Everett, WA

How Snohomish Law PLLC Fights Your Theft Charges

A theft charge does not have to result in a conviction. Our firm takes proactive steps to challenge the state's narrative and seek a resolution that keeps your record clean.

• Challenging intent: Under Washington law, the state must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. We work to demonstrate that any taking was a mistake, an accident, or a misunderstanding, rather than a crime.
• Disputing valuation: The degree of a theft charge depends entirely on the dollar value of the items. We meticulously scrutinize the prosecution’s valuation to push for a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor.
• Compromise of misdemeanor: For certain minor theft charges, we can negotiate a "compromise of misdemeanor" (RCW 10.22). If the victim or store agrees they have been fully compensated, the court has the authority to dismiss the criminal charges entirely.
• Diversion and deferred sentences: For first-time offenders, we aggressively pursue diversion programs or deferred sentences that allow the charges to be dismissed after a period of good behavior, preventing a permanent criminal record.
• Investigative edge: Using Mr. Lawrence's background as a private investigator, we review surveillance footage, witness statements, and store loss-prevention logs to find inconsistencies and procedural errors that others might overlook.

The Impact of a Theft Accusation & Conviction

The fallout from a theft charge begins the moment you are arrested and can permanently alter your life path in the following ways.

• Career-ending consequences: Because theft is a crime of dishonesty, a conviction can disqualify you from jobs involving finances, retail, or government service. Professional licensing boards for nursing, real estate, and law often take disciplinary action against individuals with a history of theft.
• Housing rejections: Landlords routinely screen for crimes of dishonesty, and a theft conviction is one of the most common reasons for a rental application to be denied.
• Civil penalties: Beyond the criminal court, Washington law (RCW 4.24.230) allows retailers to demand civil damages from you, which can total hundreds of dollars in addition to the value of the items taken.
• Immigration vulnerability: For non-citizens, theft is often classified as a "crime involving moral turpitude" (CIMT), which can lead to deportation or being barred from re-entering the United States.
• Educational barriers: Many colleges and universities require disclosure of criminal history; a theft conviction can jeopardize your admission or financial aid eligibility.