Felony Theft Statistics and Trends

Felony theft is a crime that has the potential to drastically alter an individual’s life, with legal consequences that can include imprisonment and hefty fines. A conviction can have long-lasting effects on a person’s ability to work, find housing, and maintain relationships. If you are at risk of facing felony theft charges, it is important to understand the laws surrounding this offense and how recent trends could affect your case’s outcome. Contact one of our Tacoma felony theft lawyers today for help!

What Counts as a Felony Theft in Washington? 

In the state of Washington, theft offenses are charged based on the value of the stolen property or services, with some exceptions. The threshold for felony theft in Washington State is $750. Theft of property or services worth $750 or less is considered third-degree theft, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

When the value of the stolen property or services is more than $750 but less than $5,000, the offense is considered second-degree theft, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

First-degree theft involves stolen property or services worth over $5,000, or the theft of a firearm or motor vehicle, or taking property of any value directly from a person. These offenses can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, regardless of the value of the stolen property or services.

Washington State Theft Statistics

According to data from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, there were 166,494 reported cases of larceny theft in the state of Washington in 2021. A total of 12,539 arrests were made based on these reports. Additionally, 35,385 incidents of motor vehicle theft were reported, resulting in 1,234 arrests.

Additional theft statistics include the following:

• 5,802 robbery offenses were reported, resulting in 1,570 total arrests.
• 5,939 stolen property offenses were reported, resulting in 3,094 arrests.
• Most larceny-theft offenses took place at residences, comprising 33.7% of total crimes.
• 11.9% of motor vehicle thefts occurred at businesses.

Types of Theft Crimes in Washington State 

Understanding the different types of theft charges in Washington can help you grasp the severity of potential consequences you might face. The state categorizes theft offenses based primarily on the value of stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the crime. There are three degrees of theft crimes in Washington: first, second, and third.

First-Degree Theft

First-degree theft is the most serious theft charge you can face in Washington. You will be charged with this Class B felony if you steal property or services worth more than $5,000, excluding firearms. The law also applies this charge when you take property directly from another person, regardless of its value, as long as it is not a firearm or motor vehicle.

Special circumstances can elevate theft charges to first degree even with lower-value items. If you steal a search and rescue dog while it is actively working, you will face first-degree charges. Similarly, stealing commercial metal, nonferrous metal, or private metal property becomes first-degree theft when the damage costs exceed $5,000.

As a Class B felony, you could face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $20,000 for first-degree theft. The court will also consider your criminal history when determining your sentence and may levy enhanced penalties if you have prior convictions.

Second-Degree Theft

Second-degree theft occupies the middle ground between theft charges. You will face this Class C felony when you steal property or services valued between $750 and $5,000, excluding firearms and motor vehicles. 

This charge also applies to:

• Taking public records, documents, or instruments from government offices, regardless of the item’s monetary value 
• Stealing access devices like credit cards or key cards 
• Stealing metal when the property damage falls between $750 and $5,000

Second-degree theft carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. While less severe than first-degree charges, these consequences can still have a major impact on your life and future opportunities.

Third-Degree Theft

Third-degree theft covers lower-value theft offenses but can still lead to serious consequences. You will face this gross misdemeanor charge when you steal property or services worth $750 or less. The law also includes specific provisions for stealing merchandise pallets or beverage crates, making it third-degree theft if you take ten or more of these items in any combination.

This crime is classified as a gross misdemeanor rather than a felony. You could spend up to 364 days in jail and pay fines up to $5,000. These penalties can disrupt your employment, housing, and personal relationships.

How Inflation Affects Felony Theft Thresholds

In Washington State, the threshold for felony theft has remained unchanged since 2009. However, inflation can still have an impact on the value of stolen property and its effect on theft charges.

For instance, the value of $750 in 2009 is worth approximately $1,050 in 2023, based on inflation rates. While the threshold for felony theft has remained the same, the value of stolen goods has decreased in terms of purchasing power. 

Long-Term Consequences of Felony Theft Convictions in Washington

Felony theft convictions create lasting impacts that extend far beyond immediate criminal penalties. Your criminal record becomes a permanent barrier in many areas of life, affecting opportunities you might not expect. 

Many employers exclude applicants with theft records and professional licenses may be revoked or denied. Housing becomes more difficult to secure since landlords often reject rental applications from people with felony records. Educational opportunities may be limited, and your personal reputation suffers long-lasting damage that is difficult to repair.

Defending Against Felony Theft Charges: Common Legal Strategies

Building an effective defense against theft charges can be a challenge, but a Washington criminal defense attorney can help. They will examine every aspect of your case for weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments and leverage several strategic approaches to challenge the charges you face. 

The most common defenses against felony theft charges include:

• Intent: The state must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you borrowed something with permission or believed you had authorization to take it, these facts can undermine the prosecution’s case. Temporary use without intent to steal does not constitute theft under Washington law.
• Mistaken Identity: This defense is often used when surveillance footage is unclear or witness descriptions are vague. If multiple people had access to the location where theft occurred, establishing reasonable doubt about your identity becomes possible. Alibi evidence showing you were elsewhere during the alleged theft can support this defense.
• Disputes over Property Value: This can help reduce the severity of the charges or eliminate them entirely. Prosecutors sometimes overestimate property values to pursue higher-level charges. Independent appraisals or evidence of the item’s actual condition can challenge inflated valuations and result in reduced charges.
• Questions of Ownership: If you reasonably believed you had rights to the property or authorization to take it, this belief can negate criminal intent. Business partnerships, family disputes, and complex property arrangements often create these situations.

How Technology Has Changed Theft Investigation and Evidence Collection

Modern technology has transformed how law enforcement investigates theft cases and prosecutors build their arguments. Surveillance cameras now cover most commercial areas, providing detailed footage of alleged thefts. These systems capture high-definition images and often include audio recordings that can support or challenge witness testimony.

Digital payment systems create electronic trails that help investigators track stolen credit cards or access devices. Point-of-sale systems log transaction times, locations, and amounts, making it easier to connect suspects to specific thefts. Additionally, cell phone location data can place people at crime scenes during relevant time periods.

However, technology also creates new defense opportunities. Technical malfunctions, timestamp errors, and digital manipulation can all be challenged in court. Privacy rights limit how law enforcement can collect certain electronic evidence, potentially excluding improperly obtained information from prosecution cases. A criminal defense lawyer will know how to not only challenge this evidence, but also leverage the same technologies to your advantage.

What to Do If You Are Arrested on Felony Theft Charges in Washington

Being arrested for felony theft creates an overwhelming situation. Your response in the first hours and days after arrest can significantly impact your case outcome and future consequences.

Your primary focus should be protecting your legal rights while avoiding actions that could harm your defense. Remember that anything you say can be used against you, and law enforcement officers are trained to gather incriminating statements during questioning.

If you are arrested on felony theft charges in Washington, take the following steps:

• Exercise your right to remain silent immediately and clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.
• Do not consent to searches of your property, vehicle, or electronic devices without a warrant.
• Contact a Washington criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, preferably before making any statements to police.
• Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney, including family members, friends, or other inmates.
• Document everything you remember about the arrest, including officer behavior, what was said, and any potential violations of your rights.
• Begin gathering evidence that supports your defense, such as receipts, witness contact information, or surveillance footage.
• Stay away from the alleged crime scene and avoid contact with witnesses or victims while your case is pending.

Contact a Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is facing felony theft charges in Washington state, it is crucial to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Felony theft charges can have severe legal consequences that can affect your future opportunities, including employment, housing, and immigration options.

A Tacoma criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing, your legal rights, and the potential legal defenses available to you. He or she can also help you navigate the criminal justice system, ensure that your rights are protected, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. 

After your arrest, do not speak to the police or answer any questions. Instead, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and begin developing a defense strategy.