Is the crime rate in Seattle increasing as more people move to the area? According to city data, the population grew at a similar pace to the number of crimes committed. After beginning to record crimes by neighborhood over 10 years ago, Seattle reported its second-highest number of offenses in 2018.
When thousands of crimes are committed yearly, law enforcement increases their investigations that can result in arrests and charges. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need a Seattle criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. To schedule a free consultation of your case with a skilled attorney, contact us today at (206) 973-0407.
2018 Crime Rates
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), 43,346 crimes were reported in 2018. Of those, over 4,600 offenses were violent crimes – including acts such as homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The remaining 38,665 reported offenses were property crimes like arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Convictions on charges of these offenses could result in fines, jail time/imprisonment, and more. A criminal record can limit your ability to get a good job, live in the area you choose, or even go to school. That’s why finding a highly-skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential if you face potential conviction of a criminal offense in Seattle.
According to another report, these numbers show a slight increase in criminal offenses from previous years. From 2017 to 2018, there was a 2.14% increase in reported violent and property crimes, while from 2016 to 2017, there was a 0.4% decrease in Seattle residents reporting the same offenses.
Statewide statistics for reported crimes in Seattle in 2018 include:
- 32 homicides
- 267 commissions of rape
- 1,691 instances of robbery
- 2,698 aggravated assaults
- 102 instances of arson
- Over 8,000 burglaries
- 26,509 instances of theft
- Nearly 4,000 car thefts
Crime rates also varied based on geography. The SPD report also indicated that the southern parts of the city were more dangerous than those to the north in 2018. The Queen Ann, downtown commercial, and International District neighborhoods all saw increases in reported crimes from 2017 to 2018.
Unreported Crime
Understanding how much crime occurs in any city, including Seattle, is difficult. A New York University (NYU) study found most crimes committed in the United States are never reported to law enforcement. The study found “a miserable 42 percent of violent crime and an even more miserable 36 percent of property crime was reported to US authorities.” There are various theories as to why victims don’t report a crime, including lack of faith in the judicial system and other various concerns. But understanding that unreported crimes occur and have an impact on the reputation of a city is important.
Charged With a Crime in Seattle? Call Us Today for Help
Seattle, like many big cities in the United States, wants to maintain a reputation for being a safe place for residents, visitors, and for businesses to live and operate. Low crime rates are key to continued economic growth. Accordingly, law enforcement may get overzealous or act upon bad information, especially if you live in neighborhoods of Seattle where crime is rising. If you are arrested and charged with a criminal offense, it is essential that you seek help from a criminal defense lawyer right away.
At Emerald City Law Group, we have years of experience in defending clients. Our highly-skilled lawyers know the courts in King County, and will work to resolve your case in the best manner possible. Don’t go it alone if you’ve been charged with a crime. Call (206) 973-0407 today, or reach out through the online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case.
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