Seattle is known for many things: the Space Needle, the Seahawks, and Pike Place Market to name a few. The city is also home to Amazon, the massive multinational ecommerce giant, whose packages are so conveniently delivered right to your door...and then inconveniently stolen in grab and run porch thefts. According to the Seattle Times, Amazon's HQ city is the fifth-worst in the entire country for porch package thefts.
Since the coronavirus began, more people have been shopping online and avoiding crowded department stores and shopping malls. This has led to an even larger increase in Amazon and other online deliveries. Porch packages are easy targets for thieves looking to cash in on some free merchandise.
If you are arrested for porch theft, it is important to know how serious this crime truly is. Even though it might seem like a relatively minor crime, it can be more severe. Package theft is a type of mail theft and may be punishable by both state and federal laws. As such, it is important to have an experienced and aggressive Seattle criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you avoid maximum penalties and consequences. Your attorney can work quickly to build a case that is designed to expose the holes in the prosecution’s case. If this is your first offense, your attorney may be able to have the charges reduced or petition the courts for community service and probation in lieu of jail time.
Understanding Severity of Package Theft
Unlike other types of theft, package theft involves the mail system. In the U.S. it is a federal crime to tamper with the mail. Stealing a porch package is considered mail theft and believe it or not, you can face either federal or state charges. If you are charged with a federal crime, you could face up to five years in jail.
Fortunately, the majority of offenders will face only criminal state charges. In Washington, first-time offenders may be charged with petty theft, which is a misdemeanor. If you face this charge, you will need to pay a fine up to $1000 and may also serve community service or minimal time in jail.
However, you face significantly severe penalties and consequences if you stole from multiple addresses or from the same address more than once. In this case, you could find yourself facing class C felony of mail theft charges. If you are convicted, you could face up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Why You Need an Attorney
In some cases, police officers arrest the wrong suspect. You may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Facing years behind bars can be scary, especially when you are innocent. When this occurs, you need a criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately.
Other times, the charges against you may not accurately reflect your actions. In some cases, prosecutors may charge you with multiple porch thefts that you did not commit. There may be pressure to link multiple porch piracy crimes in a neighborhood together. Thus, you could face more consequences and a longer time behind bars. When this occurs, you need a lawyer to fight for your rights.
Your lawyer can build a case to help reduce the charges against you. Because these crimes are on the rise in many cities and states, prosecutors are often eager to apprehend suspects. In one recent year, more than 26 million Americans had packages taken from their front porches. Many of these criminals are never caught - adding more pressure to prosecute the ones that are.
Your attorney can make sure your rights are protected every step of the way and that you receive a fair trial and sentencing.
Contact Our Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you are arrested and charged with a theft crime in Seattle, we want to be the first call you make. Our Seattle criminal defense attorneys know how to protect you and your future after an arrest. We can keep you out of jail and even get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC, have helped and defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our confidential contact form. We know how to fight criminal charges aggressively. Call us today!
As a legal expert with a comprehensive understanding of criminal defense, particularly in the context of porch theft cases, I draw upon my extensive knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts introduced in the article. My expertise is grounded in the intricate details of criminal law, with a specific focus on mail theft and its legal implications.
1. Porch Package Theft in Seattle: Seattle, known for its iconic landmarks and as the headquarters of Amazon, has gained an unfortunate reputation for porch package thefts. This criminal activity has become more prevalent, especially with the surge in online shopping amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Legal Implications: The article rightly emphasizes the seriousness of porch theft, categorizing it as a form of mail theft. In the U.S., tampering with mail is a federal offense, and stealing packages from porches falls under this category. This distinction is crucial, as it brings both state and federal laws into play.
3. Severity of Charges: The severity of charges depends on factors such as the number of thefts and whether the accused has a history of targeting the same address. First-time offenders in Washington may face misdemeanor charges with fines and community service. However, multiple offenses can escalate to a class C felony with substantial prison time and fines.
4. Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer: The article underscores the importance of having an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer when facing porch theft charges. A skilled attorney can navigate the legal landscape efficiently, working to expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case and advocating for reduced charges or alternative penalties.
5. Federal vs. State Charges: Understanding the potential federal charges for mail theft, with penalties of up to five years in jail, highlights the gravity of the situation. However, the article reassures readers that most offenders will likely face state charges, such as petty theft in Washington, with less severe consequences for first-time offenses.
6. Wrongful Arrest and Legal Representation: The article addresses the possibility of wrongful arrests and the importance of swift legal representation. A criminal defense lawyer plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected and that they receive a fair trial.
7. Prosecutorial Pressure and Rising Crimes: The mention of the pressure on prosecutors to address the rising trend of porch thefts, which affected over 26 million Americans in a recent year, highlights the need for a robust defense strategy. Criminal defense attorneys can advocate for their clients' rights in the face of such pressure.
In conclusion, my expertise in criminal law allows me to provide insights into the nuanced legal aspects discussed in the article. The information presented underscores the significance of legal representation in porch theft cases, especially in a city like Seattle grappling with the challenges posed by this growing criminal trend.
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