Seattle Theft Crime Lawyers
Have You Been Accused of Shoplifting in Seattle? Call Us Today at 206-895-6800!
In the state of Washington, if you are accused of theft from a store, then you can be charged in court with shoplifting. Shoplifting cases are taken very seriously and can have long-term consequences if convicted. Penalties for shoplifting can come with fines and incarceration, meaning that you need an aggressive defense lawyer to help you fight back against these charges.
In Seattle, shoplifting is one of the most common forms of theft that the defense attorneys at Guadagno Law, PLLC see come through their doors. If you or a loved one has been accused of shoplifting, or any other theft crime, schedule your FREE consultation with our team today.
Can a Store Search My Bag?
However, only with your consent. You must consent to a bag search before a shop owner or employee can conduct one. In a bag search, the searcher looks inside your bag and empties its contents.
Does a Shoplifter Have to Leave the Store?
It is possible for a defendant to commit shoplifting without leaving the store. All he needs to do is move the property and exercise control over it in a way that contradicts the shop owner's reasonable expectations about how shoppers will treat items.
Our Seattle shoplifting attorneys are ready to handle your case. Call us today at 206-895-6800.
What are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Seattle?
In order to prove that you were shoplifting, two elements must be proven. First, you must have willingly taken the items offered for sale into your possession or concealed them with the intention of deceit and second, you must have intended to deprive the store owner of the payment of the item. If, for example, you forgot to scan an item at the grocery store, it may not be considered shoplifting.
Washington law provides penalties for shoplifting crimes depending on the value of the item taken and certain types of property that are protected under law:
- First Degree Theft: 14 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
- Second Degree Theft: Five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Third Degree Theft: One year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Some common ways someone can be accused of shoplifting include:
- Leaving a store without paying for an item
- Switching price tags to pay a lesser price for the item
Working with an experienced Seattle shoplifting attorney can help you reduce or eliminate the charges you are facing. At Guadagno Law, PLLC, we fight for you until the end.
Understanding Your Rights When Accused of Shoplifting
Being accused of shoplifting can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It's important to know your rights and understand the legal process when facing these charges. Our team of experienced Seattle theft crime lawyers at Guadagno Law, PLLC, is here to stand by your side and provide the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Some important things to consider when accused of shoplifting include:
- Knowing your rights when confronted by store security
- Understanding the potential penalties and consequences of a shoplifting charge
- Seeking legal representation to protect your rights and build a strong defense
- Exploring options for resolving the charges and minimizing the impact on your future
Don't face shoplifting charges alone.
Real People. Real Stories.
Read our reviews from past clients we've helped.
-
“Albert was really helpful in my case. It was a false Assault 4 allegation. Albert was really considerate in understanding my situation and handled the case maturely. He went above and beyond in neogitating a favourable decision from the court. Highly recommend him.”- SP
-
“Albert helped resolve an almost hopeless case with the best possible results. He had my boyfriend out of custody and the case resolved in a week and a half. Albert is very professional, very helpful and always available to answer our calls and numerous questions. I would highly recommend Albert and if I ever need an attorney again he will be the first person I call!”- Erin
-
“As a parent I have been very impressed with Albert. I’m not sure how my son found Albert but what a great attorney! They share a friendship that one normally does not get to have with their attorney. He is always available for conversation and wise advice. I have been amazed at the personal attention and great service Albert has provided my son and for me too. If you are looking for an experienced attorney with good communication skills then look no further. You will be in great hands!”- CSW
-
“I can't say enough about the services I received from the Guadagno law, PLLC. After asking around with several other law groups, Albert responded quickly and walked me through the whole process from start to finish. Here I am more than two years later and he's still bending over backwards for me. He promised he'd be there for me all the way through the case and hasn't let me down. I would highly recommend.”- Samuel
-
“Sinceramente estoi satisfecha porque Alberto Guandageno Alludo muy bien enel casi de mi hijo lo recomiendo hiso un excelente trabajo en la defensa de mi hijo si yo le mandaba textos me respondía en minutos si le abla a por teléfono inmediatamente me respondía igual si le escribí correos electrónicos respondía rápido y me desia esactamente lo que estaba pasando enel caso de mi hijo porque mi hijo dio autorización que me dijera lo que pasaba y gracias a él abogado Alberto todo salió bien es un ángel que Dios pone en el camino de los que nesesitan su alluda muchas gracias abogado Alberto Guandageno”- Mamá feliz
-
“Very passionate and valuable feedback and knowledgeable of the law.”- J
-
“When people go through a rough time, caring, convincing, and timeliness responses mean a lot.”- Former Client
-
“I have never had to hire an attorney before and Albert was just amazing. He took on my case quickly and was incredibly efficient and professional. He spent hours with me on the phone over several months, helping to ease my fears and worries and offering words of encouragement and advice. Albert is kind, thoughtful and generous with his time and I consider him a friend. He was very supportive to me during such A difficult time in my life. He fought tirelessly for me and my family with great success. He truly went above and beyond to fight for a full dismissal. I highly recommend his services.”- Coral
-
“Working with Albert was an absolute blessing. He really takes the time to get to know you so he can truly make a defense from your corner. Our phone calls were always filled with laughs to help ease the painful situation. He's brilliant and easy to trust. I would always recommend him again and again.”- A. G.
