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Levels of Charges in the State of Washington (Misdemeanors to Felonies)

Criminal Charges and Defense Strategies in Washingto

Criminal Defense Strategies in Washington

Criminal charges vary on different levels of severity throughout the entirety of the United States, however the specifics will vary depending on the state and its regulations and or code. In the State of Washington, crimes can range from Misdemeanors to Class A Felonies, in which the punishments vary depending on the severity of the charge. The punishment of crimes are assessed in a manner in which the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed, which is why having a skilled attorney can help in making sure you get the best possible outcome in your case and receive a fair trial. It is important to understand the severity of your charge or charges to better understand what the implications are, as well as your rights in order to best defend and safeguard them. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has a wide range of lawyers working in all areas of law from Misdemeanor offenses to the most serious Class A Felonies and would be happy to assist you in achieving the best possible outcome in your case with effective Criminal Defense Strategies in Washington.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are the least serious of the charges. They are punishable by a maximum of 90 days in prison, and a maximum of $1,000.00 fine. Common examples of Misdemeanors are disorderly conduct, shoplifting, and possession of marijuana.

Misdemeanors are less severe than other crimes, yet they can still have a big influence on someone’s life. A criminal record can come from a conviction, which may have an impact on one’s ability to obtain housing or find work, among other things. It is important to seek out legal counsel in these situations as well in order to minimize the impact in which these kinds of charges can have. Handling and navigating through court proceedings, even at the lowest level can be overwhelming and technical so it is important to seek out legal counsel.

Gross Misdemeanors

Gross Misdemeanors are more severe in nature compared to Misdemeanors, and thus will carry heavier penalties. A Gross Misdemeanor is punishable in the State of Washington by up to 364 days in jail, and up to a $5,000.00 fine. Some examples of criminal offenses that are Gross Misdemeanors include but are not limited to Assault in the Fourth Degree, theft of property amounting to no more than $750, and DUIs.

Our skilled attorneys often work to get the best possible outcomes by using a number of different defenses based on your unique circumstances. Even at this level, the process of navigating these charges in court can be overwhelming for someone not familiar with the legal system or have the adequate knowledge to do so. Hiring an attorney can help alleviate some of that stress and allow for the best possible outcome.

Class C Felonies

The least severe classification of Felony charges is known as a Class C Felony. The maximum punishment for a Class C Felony conviction is up to 5 years in prison and a maximum of $10,000.00 in fines. Examples of Class C Felonies include but are not limited to reckless burning, theft of property amounting to between $750 and $5,000, and Assault in the Third Degree.

Felony charges are serious and can result in a criminal record that can have long-term consequences. Defending against Felony charges requires a thorough understanding of the law and the ability to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Navigating the legal system alone and or having an overworked public defender may result in less than desirable outcomes for your case. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney from the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will allow your assigned attorney to dedicate their time and effort to achieve the best possible outcome.

Class B Felonies

Class B Felonies carry steeper penalties and are punishable by up to 10 years in prison with a maximum of $20,000.00 in fines. Class B Felonies can include but are not limited to Arson in the Second Degree, Theft of Motor Vehicle, and Robbery in the Second Degree, and Assault in the Second Degree.

Defending against Class B Felony charges requires a strategic approach and a thorough understanding of the law. Possible defenses may include challenging the prosecution’s evidence, demonstrating lack of intent, or showing that the accused was acting in self-defense. Our attorneys are ready to work diligently on your case to best collect all necessary information, evidence, and or proof to best help your case.

Class A Felonies and Criminal Charges and Defense Strategies in Washington

Class A Felonies are the most severe category of Felony charges. They are punishable by up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Examples of Class A Felonies include Murder in the First or Second Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Rape in the Second Degree.

Defending against Class A Felony charges is extremely complex and requires extensive knowledge of the law and criminal procedure. The stakes are high, and a conviction can result in life-changing consequences. Possible defenses may include challenging the prosecution’s evidence, demonstrating lack of intent, or showing that the accused was acting in self-defense, and a number of other defenses depending on the totality of the circumstances of your case.

In sum, all charges in the state of Washington can have significant consequences on an individual’s life. From Misdemeanor to Class A Felonies, the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has the knowledge and experience to assist you in your case. Hiring an attorney and seeking out legal advice as soon as possible can allow for the attorney to work on your case as soon as possible and provide the best outcome, so don’t wait!  As a criminal defense attorney, it is crucial to develop a strong defense strategy for each level of charges and explore all possible options.

Contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer and schedule a free confidential consultation with one of our highly skilled attorneys. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your freedom today.

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What Are the Three Types of Theft in the State of Washington? (And How We Can Defend You)

Theft Charges in Washington

Theft Charges in Washington

Theft is defined in the Revised Code of Washington as the act of “wrongfully obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services.” Very commonly the term “shoplifting” is used interchangeably with “theft” but it is important to note that the State of Washington does not have any shoplifting statues. In Washington, shoplifting falls under the umbrella of theft. Understanding what a theft charge is, the different levels of a theft charge, what potential defenses are available, and your next steps are crucial to ensuring the protection of your freedom. Theft charges can have a serious impact on a person’s future because they are viewed by others as crimes of moral turpitude, or bad character crimes, which may not ultimately fit the facts of the alleged crime. This blog explores the most common types of theft charged in Washington. In a future post we will discuss other forms of theft such as organized retail theft, fraud, mail theft, and identify theft.

What are the consequences of Theft Charges or convictions in Washington?

In Washington, the consequences for theft can range from a gross misdemeanor to a class B felony carrying penalty from 0-364 days up to 10 years in prison depending on the type and severity of the theft, if proven.

Theft 3rd Degree (Third Degree): Petty theft or theft in the third degree is the most common type of theft and is generally defined as theft of an amount not exceeding $750. Anything stolen under that amount is considered Theft in the Third Degree. Theft in the Third Degree carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine on a first offense.

Theft 2nd Degree (Second Degree): Theft in the Second degree involves depriving another of their property or money in an amount between $750.00 and $5,000.00. Money, property, services, or goods below $750.00 can also be elevated to a Theft in the Second Degree if the item alleged in the theft is public record or access device. Unauthorized use or using a stolen credit or debit card would be one example of an access device. For example: if you took your ex-boyfriends credit card and charged a pizza too it and it cost $10.00 without his permission you could be charged with Theft in the Second Degree based solely on the unauthorized use of an access device. Other acts which elevate an otherwise petty or misdemeanor theft include theft of commercial metal property, nonferrous metal property, and private metal, such as the theft of a catalytic converter. Theft in the Second Degree is a class C felony and carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.

Theft 1st Degree (First Degree): Theft in the First Degree involves depriving another of their property or money in an amount over $5,000.00. Much like the Theft in the Second-Degree statute, certain types of thefts can be elevated to this most serious version of theft such as the theft of a search and rescue dog while it is on duty. Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000.00 fine.

What should I do if I am charged?

Hiring a lawyer is going to be your optimal choice in protecting your record and your freedom. Theft is a complicated area of law requiring a lot of research and gathering of evidence in order to defend your case. Theft often turns on a person’s an intent and the surrounding circumstances. No two cases are the same. In theft cases, the outcome of the case often is determined by the offender’s ability to build a defense, or to pay restitution to the aggrieved party, because often the most important thing to both prosecutors and victims is getting their property or money returned and being restored to their rightful position prior to the alleged act of theft. When this happens even some of the most serious cases can be reduced to misdemeanors, diverted away from the criminal justice system or dismissed. In the case of Theft 3 and other gross misdemeanors the law allows the alleged thief and the victim to work out a private settlement called a civil compromise in exchange for the charges being dismissed.

At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer we are highly qualified and experienced in this area and defend our clients to the fullest extent of the law. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer strongly believes in obtaining justice for our clients, and enforce our clients right to a fair and speedy trial. When you hire the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer you can expect that we work diligently to provide the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer and schedule a free consultation to see what our attorneys can do for you.