Seattle Trafficking Stolen Property Attorneys

If you are facing trafficking in stolen property charges in Seattle, then you need to contact the trafficking stolen property attorneys at Emerald City Law Group right away. The law prohibiting trafficking stolen goods and other property is part of the Washington Criminal Profiteering Act. When you are accused of this crime, the prosecutors are alleging that your actions exceed the mere possession of stolen goods. Rather, you are participating in and profiting from organized crime. They are not alleging you committed a small theft. They are saying you committed a serious felony, which could result in years of imprisonment.

To fight trafficking in stolen goods charges, you will need a skilled and tenacious defense attorney. The Seattle criminal defense lawyers at Emerald City Law Group are prepared to take your case and defend you in court if necessary. We understand how nerve-wracking felony charges can be. Our goal will be to guide you through the criminal justice system, while always being honest about your case and fighting hard for the best possible outcome.

Learn how you may be able to overcome your trafficking in stolen property charges. To discuss how Emerald City Law Group and our trafficking stolen property lawyers can help you, contact us online or call 206-973-0407 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Washington Law Regarding Trafficking Stolen Property

Several criminal statutes deal with the theft of property, whether your involvement was direct or indirect. Specifically, you may face charges if the prosecution has evidence that you knew you were dealing with stolen goods. Under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.82.050, anyone who knowingly initiates, organizes, plans, finances, directs, manages, or supervises the theft of property for sale to other people, or who otherwise knowingly traffics in stolen property is guilty of first-degree trafficking in stolen property.

You can also face second-degree trafficking in stolen property if you recklessly traffic in stolen property. To act recklessly means that you consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that your conduct was illegal. You were not simply careless in learning where the property came from. You knew there was a risk of the goods being stolen, and you ignored it.

If you are being investigated or have been arrested for trafficking stolen property, do not hesitate to call the trafficking stolen property lawyers from Emerald City Law Group. You are going to need a vigorous defense to prove your innocence or mitigate the consequences of a conviction.

What Is Trafficking?

Numerous illicit actions can be considered trafficking. With regard to stolen property, it relates to selling, transferring, distributing, dispensing, or otherwise disposing of the property in question to another party. Trafficking can also include buying, receiving, possessing, or obtaining control of stolen property with the intent to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense, or otherwise dispose of the property to another party.

If any of these claims have been made against you or a loved one, call our trafficking stolen property attorneys right away. We will thoroughly review the situation and determine if there is a strong basis for having the charges dropped or dismissed. We will also consider the possibility of seeking a reduction in the charges.

Washington’s Criminal Penalties for Trafficking in Stolen Property

Trafficking in stolen property in the first degree is a Class B felony. The maximum penalty under Washington law is confinement in state prison for up to 10 years and a fine up to $20,000. Trafficking in stolen property in the second degree is a lower, Class C felony. You can be punished with up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

To gain a realistic view of the penalty, you may need to complete if convicted of this offense, call our trafficking stolen property lawyers to discuss Washington’s sentencing guidelines. The potential term of imprisonment you face depends on the Seriousness Level of the crime, which is dictated in the sentencing guidelines, and your Offender Score, which is calculated based on your criminal background and other factors.

For example, first-degree trafficking in stolen property has a Seriousness Level of IV, so a lot will rely on you Offender Score. Depending on the factors involved, you could face as few as three to nine months in custody or as many as 63 to 84 months.

Second-degree trafficking in stolen property is Seriousness Level III. If you have the lowest Offender Score, you may face as few as one to three months in prison. However, you also face up to 60 months in prison, if you have an extensive criminal record.

Your potential sentence can also be impacted by sentencing enhancements, such as if the crime involved a deadly weapon or gang activity. Considering the numerous factors that go into sentencing in Washington, it is important to speak with our trafficking stolen property lawyers to discuss the potential consequences of a conviction.

Trafficking in Stolen Property Differs From Possession of Stolen Goods in Washington

It is important to note that possessing stolen property is not the same as trafficking. If you had actual or constructive possession of stolen property, but there is no evidence of selling, transferring, distributing, dispensing, or otherwise disposing of the goods, then you should be charged with first- or second-degree possessing stolen property.

First- and second-degree possession of stolen goods are charged as a Class B or Class C felony, respectively. However, they are different Seriousness Levels than trafficking in stolen property. Possession of stolen property in the first degree, other than a vehicle or firearm, is a Seriousness Level II. Possession of stolen property in the second degree, other than a vehicle or firearm, is a lower Seriousness Level I.

Facing Trafficking in Stolen Property Charges

If you are ever forced to defend whether you trafficked in stolen property, the smartest thing to do is to hire a private criminal defense attorney. You have the options of representing yourself or utilizing a public defender, but neither of these presents you with the best chance of having your charges dismissed, reduced, or minimizing the potential sanctions upon a conviction.

By hiring a trafficking stolen property attorney from Emerald City Law Group, you gain an attorney who will dedicate himself to your case. Your trafficking stolen property attorneys will thoroughly investigate the claims against you, gather and analyze evidence, and determine the strongest potential defenses. It may be that your attorney argues there has been a mistake of identity. Your lawyer may argue you had consent from the property owner, or that you were unaware the goods were stolen. Another potential defense is that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

To discuss your case with our Seattle criminal defense attorneys, contact Emerald City Law Group at 206-973-0407. We offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk in giving us a call.