How to Find Information on the Penalty for Auto Theft in Washington

The Seattle area of Washington is one of the top 10 metropolitan areas for auto theft in the nation. However, auto theft is a crime that can happen anywhere in Washington. If you live in Washington and your car gets stolen, finding information on the penalty for auto theft in that state may be of interest to you. This information will help you make informed choices during the legal proceedings that will follow should the person who stole your car be apprehended.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Telephone

1. Talk to a criminal law attorney who works in Washington if you are accused of auto theft, preferably one who specializes in lesser crimes like auto theft. Find an attorney by getting in touch with the American Bar Association (see Resources below).
2. Do some research of your own. A quick check of the Washington statutes should provide you with complete information regarding the penalty for auto theft in that state. You can access these statutes online at the Revised Code of Washington Web site (see Resources below). The section on auto theft is located in Chapter 9A.56, Sections 070 and 075.
3. Know that there are two classifications of auto theft in Washington—first degree and second degree. First degree auto theft is the more serious and happens when a car is stolen for the purpose of profiting from the theft. First degree auto theft is a Class B felony, while second degree auto theft is a Class C felony.
4. Understand the sentences. In Washington, a Class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, while a Class C felony carries a maximum of 5 years in prison.
5. Know there are resources available to help you deal with crime if you have been a victim. Contact the National Center for Victims of Crime for further information (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• You can take effective steps toward reducing your risk of auto theft. Practical, common sense measures such as rolling up your windows and locking the doors when you exit the vehicle are surprisingly effective deterrents to theft. Car thieves by and large look for easy targets. The harder you make it for them, the more likely they are to leave your car alone.
• You may be entitled to support services. Washington requires 50 percent of all money collected from civil fines and forfeited bail to go to programs designed to offer support to victims of crime. These programs are not limited to a particular type of crime. If the person who stole your car goes to trial, the prosecuting attorney is required to tell you about these services.
• If you witness your car being stolen, do not approach the thief. You risk being seriously hurt, especially if the thief is armed. This does not mean you should do nothing. Go to the nearest telephone and call the police to report a crime in progress.