Revised Code of Washington

When you break the law in Washington State you are breaking the Revised Code of Washington. Almost half are theft offenses. Many people do not know that a skilled defense attorney can get your theft case dismissed even without the prosecutor’s agreement.

(1) A person is guilty of theft in the third degree if he or she commits theft of property or services which (a) does not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars in value, or (b) includes ten or more merchandise pallets, or ten or more beverage crates, or a combination of ten or more merchandise pallets and beverage crates.

(2) Theft in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor.

RCW 9.92.020 Punishment of gross misdemeanor when not fixed by statute.

Every person convicted of a gross misdemeanor for which no punishment is prescribed in any statute in force at the time of conviction and sentence, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of up to three hundred sixty-four days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than five thousand dollars, or by both such imprisonment and fine.

So the worst you can get is almost a year in jail and $5000 fine which, as any experienced lawyer will tell you that unless you have a bad record, is not likely to happen. But wait, there’s more!

Padilla v. Kentucky and State V. Sandoval hold that a competent attorney must advise his/her client about “collateral consequences.” “Collateral Consequences” means everything from a potential employer will see your criminal record to immigration may deport you over the offense to Canada will not let you cross the border with certain convictions. Now there are all kinds of things that can affect you because of that pesky petty offense. Are you feeling the need to hire your own lawyer yet?

But can’t the public defender handle my case for free? Yes, but according to HG.org “it is common for public defenders to be overworked and underpaid.” Articles Organized by Areas of Law

Considering all of this, it may be worth it to spend thousands of dollars on your own lawyer to defend against the theft of the little $5 item. Because the long-term, even life-long, ramifications of a conviction to your employment and housing can be devastating. Do not compound your small bad decision with a big one. Hire Smith & White, PLLC to get your case dismissed.

All joking aside though, even if I told you the exact statutes that allow you to get a dismissal and even gave you the documents that you file with the court, you personally begging for mercy is NOT as effective as an experienced and respected lawyer asking the Judge to grant you this one favor. In the end it is still up to the Judge after all.

With our help you do not need both the prosecutor and Judge to agree. We can skip right to the end. So if you need help getting your theft charge then dismissed call Smith & White, PLLC today.