If you're looking for a Washington online theft or shoplifting class, it's important to know your Washington theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Washington theft and shoplifting laws displayed on this page are to aid you in understanding your local Washington theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the latest version of Washington theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from a lawyer. We suggest that you consult with an appropriate attorney for more information about Washington theft laws.

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6 Hour Theft Class	$129	Register Now
8 Hour Theft Class	$149	Register Now
12 Hour Theft Class	$199	Register Now
16 Hour Advanced Class	$249	Register Now
24 Hour Extended Theft Class	$349	Register Now

Washington State Theft and Shoplifting Laws Explained

Understanding the laws surrounding theft and shoplifting in Washington State can help you stay informed and avoid legal issues. Below is a simplified explanation of key sections from Washington's theft statutes.

9A.56.010 Definitions

This section provides clear definitions of terms used throughout the theft and shoplifting laws. Here's what some of these terms mean in everyday language:

Access Device: This refers to items like credit cards, license plates, account numbers, or any other means that can access an account to obtain money, goods, or services. It includes devices used to transfer funds electronically, but not those solely used with paper documents.
Appropriate Lost or Misdelivered Property or Services: This involves taking or controlling someone else's property or services that you know have been lost, misplaced, or delivered to the wrong person by mistake.
Beverage Crate: These are containers made of plastic or metal used to transport individual beverage packages to stores. They are marked with ownership information, such as "property of [Company Name]."
By Color or Aid of Deception: This means using trickery or deceit to obtain property or services. The deception doesn't have to be the only method used to get what you want.
Deception: This occurs when someone intentionally:
- Creates or reinforces a false impression they know is untrue.
- Fails to correct a false impression they previously created.
- Prevents someone from getting important information about the property.
- Transfers property without disclosing any legal claims or liens on it.
- Promises to perform a service they don't intend to do.
Deprive: Beyond its usual meaning, this includes making unauthorized use or copies of someone else's records, information, data, trade secrets, or computer programs.
Merchandise Pallet: These are wooden or plastic platforms used to transport products. They are labeled with ownership information similar to beverage crates.
Obtain Control Over: This means gaining legal ownership or interest in someone else's property or securing services for your own benefit.
Owner: The person who legally possesses or has an interest in the property or services. Without their consent, you cannot control their property or services.
Parking Area: Any parking lot or space provided by retailers for customers to park their vehicles.
Receive: This includes acquiring ownership, possession, control, or any interest in property.
Services: This covers a wide range of services, including labor, professional work, transportation, computer services, hotel accommodations, restaurant services, entertainment, equipment supply, and public utility services like gas and electricity.
Shopping Cart: A wheeled basket or container used by customers in stores to carry goods.
Stolen: Property obtained through theft, robbery, or extortion.
Subscription Television Service: TV services that require a fee and are intended for authorized users only. This includes cable, satellite, and other encrypted video services.
Telecommunication Device: Any device capable of sending or receiving phone or electronic communications, including parts of such devices.
Telecommunication Service: Services that facilitate phone or electronic communications for a charge, excluding subscription TV services.
Value: The market worth of the property or services at the time and place of the theft. Specific rules determine the value of certain items like checks or tickets.
Wrongfully Obtains or Exerts Unauthorized Control: This involves taking someone else's property or services without permission or misusing property entrusted to you, such as by a bailee or partner.

9A.56.020 Theft — Definition and Defense

Theft in Washington State occurs when someone:

Wrongfully takes or controls someone else's property or services with the intent to deprive the owner of them.
Uses deception to obtain property or services with the same intent.
Appropriates lost or misdelivered property intending to keep it from the rightful owner.

Defenses Against Theft Charges: - If you openly took property under a genuine claim of ownership, even if your claim was wrong. - If you received merchandise pallets as part of a regular recycling or repair business.

9A.56.030 Theft in the First Degree (Excluding Firearms and Motor Vehicles)

You can be charged with Theft in the First Degree if you:

Steal property or services worth more than $5,000, excluding firearms.
Steal property of any value, excluding firearms and motor vehicles, directly from someone.
Steal a search and rescue dog while it is on duty.

Penalty: This is classified as a Class B felony, which is a serious crime.

9A.56.040 Theft in the Second Degree (Excluding Firearms and Motor Vehicles)

Theft in the Second Degree applies if you:

Steal property or services valued between $750 and $5,000, excluding firearms and motor vehicles.
Steal public records or official documents from a public office.
Steal an access device, like a credit card or account number.

Penalty: This is classified as a Class C felony.

9A.56.050 Theft in the Third Degree

You face Theft in the Third Degree if you:

Steal property or services worth up to $750.
Steal ten or more merchandise pallets, ten or more beverage crates, or a combination of both.

Penalty: This is treated as a gross misdemeanor, which is less severe than a felony but still carries significant consequences.

9A.56.065 Theft of a Motor Vehicle

If you steal a motor vehicle, you are committing Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

Penalty: This is a Class B felony.

9A.56.070 Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the First Degree

You are guilty of this offense if you:

Intentionally take or drive away someone else's vehicle without permission.
Change the vehicle's appearance or identification numbers.
Remove parts from the vehicle intending to sell them.
Attempt to export the vehicle for profit.
Plan to sell the vehicle or conspire with others to do so.

Penalty: This is classified as a Class B felony.

9A.56.075 Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission in the Second Degree

You are guilty of this if you:

Intentionally take or drive away someone else's vehicle without permission.
Ride in the vehicle knowing it was taken unlawfully.

Penalty: This is classified as a Class C felony.

9A.56.080 Theft of Livestock in the First Degree

You commit Theft of Livestock in the First Degree if you:

Intentionally take, lead, transport, conceal, withhold, slaughter, or otherwise use livestock (like horses, cows, goats, etc.) with the intent to sell or defraud the owner.

Penalty: This is a Class B felony.

9A.56.083 Theft of Livestock in the Second Degree

This applies if you:

Steal livestock without the intent to sell or exchange, and you keep it for your own use.

Penalty: This is a Class C felony.

9A.56.085 Minimum Fine for Theft of Livestock

If convicted of stealing livestock, you must pay a minimum fine of $2,000 for each animal involved. This fine is mandatory and must be paid in addition to any other penalties. Even if multiple people are involved, each must pay the fine. The fine cannot be waived, reduced, or deferred.

9A.56.190 Robbery — Definition

Robbery occurs when someone:

Unlawfully takes personal property directly from another person or in their presence.
Uses or threatens immediate force, violence, or fear of injury to obtain or keep the property.
The use of force or fear prevents the victim from resisting or knowing what was taken.

9A.56.200 Robbery in the First Degree

You are guilty of Robbery in the First Degree if during a robbery you:

Are armed with a deadly weapon or display something that looks like one.
Inflict bodily injury on someone.
Rob a financial institution (like a bank).

Penalty: This is classified as a Class A felony, the most severe category.

9A.56.210 Robbery in the Second Degree

If you commit robbery without the aggravating factors listed in the first degree, you are guilty of Robbery in the Second Degree.

Penalty: This is classified as a Class B felony.

9A.56.350 Organized Retail Theft

Organized Retail Theft involves stealing from retail stores in a planned or organized manner. You can be charged if you:

Steal property worth at least $750 from a store with an accomplice.
Possess stolen property worth at least $750 with an accomplice.
Steal a total of at least $750 from one or more stores within 180 days.

Degrees and Penalties:

First Degree: If the total value stolen is $5,000 or more. This is a Class B felony.
Second Degree: If the total value stolen is between $750 and $5,000. This is a Class C felony.

Additional Details: - Multiple thefts from different stores within 180 days can be combined to determine the severity. - Theft charges can be prosecuted in any county where one of the thefts occurred. - Stores can request that multiple thefts be charged together.

9A.56.360 Retail Theft with Extenuating Circumstances

This applies when theft from a retail store occurs under specific challenging conditions:

Extenuating Circumstances:

You exit the store through an emergency exit to facilitate the theft.
You possess tools designed to bypass security systems, like tag removers.
You steal from three or more stores within 180 days.