Auto Theft Laws in Washington State

Charges related to auto theft, joyriding, and carjacking are taken very seriously by the legal system. Understanding these laws is crucial, especially if you find yourself facing allegations that could impact your future.

Auto Theft in Washington State

Auto theft is defined under RCW 9A.56.030, which specifies that it involves taking or riding in a vehicle without the owner’s consent with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This offense encompasses a range of actions, from stealing a vehicle outright to using it without permission with no intention of returning it.

Penalties

The severity of penalties for auto theft in Washington can vary based on the value of the vehicle involved:

  • Class B Felony: If the vehicle is valued at over $5,000, a conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $20,000.
  • Class C Felony: For vehicles valued between $750 and $5,000, the potential sentence can be up to 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
  • Gross Misdemeanor: If the vehicle’s value is less than $750, the charge may be reduced to a gross misdemeanor, resulting in a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or fines up to $5,000.

Joyriding Explained

What Constitutes Joyriding?

Joyriding, often considered a lesser offense than auto theft, falls under RCW 9A.56.070, which covers the unauthorized use of a vehicle. This charge applies when someone takes a vehicle without permission but does not intend to permanently deprive the owner of it. Joyriding includes scenarios like borrowing a friend’s car without asking or exceeding the limits of permission given.

Examples of Joyriding

  1. Unauthorized Use: A person takes their neighbor’s car for a brief drive without asking. They intend to return it immediately, which constitutes joyriding rather than auto theft.
  2. Exceeding Permission: An employee is allowed to use a company vehicle for work-related tasks but takes it for personal errands without consent. This can lead to unauthorized use charges.

Penalties for Joyriding

  • Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle: This can result in a gross misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and/or fines up to $5,000.
  • Felony Charges: If the joyriding is part of a larger pattern of theft or involves additional crimes, it could escalate to felony charges.

Carjacking: A Serious Offense

Carjacking is categorized as a serious felony in Washington State, defined as taking a vehicle from another person through the use of force, intimidation, or threats. This crime is treated harshly due to the potential harm to victims and the violent nature of the act.

Penalties

Carjacking is a Class B felony, punishable by:

  • Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $20,000.
  • If the crime involves aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon, penalties may be significantly increased.

Failing to Return a Rental Car

In Washington, failing to return a rental vehicle can result in serious legal consequences. Under RCW 9A.56.080, not returning a rented vehicle can lead to charges similar to those for auto theft, especially if the vehicle’s value exceeds certain thresholds.

Penalties

  • Value Over $5,000: Felony charges with potential prison time up to 10 years.
  • Value Between $1,000 and $5,000: Felony charges with potential prison time up to 5 years.
  • Value Under $1,000: Typically classified as a gross misdemeanor.

Common Defenses Against Charges

  1. Good Faith Belief of Permission: If the defendant can convincingly argue that they genuinely believed they had permission to use the vehicle, this can serve as a strong defense against auto theft and joyriding charges.
  2. Lack of Intent to Steal: Demonstrating that there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle can help reduce charges from auto theft to unauthorized use or joyriding.
  3. Mistaken Identity: If the accused can show they were not involved in the alleged offense, this can lead to a dismissal of charges.
  4. Duress or Coercion: If the defendant was compelled to take a vehicle under threat or force, this can mitigate liability.

Facing charges related to auto theft, joyriding, or carjacking can have severe implications for your future. The stakes are high, and having an experienced attorney by your side is vital. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we specialize in defending clients against these serious charges, utilizing our extensive knowledge of Washington’s legal system to craft tailored defense strategies.

Why Choose Us?

  • Experience: With decades of handling criminal cases, our team has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
  • Personalized Attention: We understand that each case is unique. Our approach is not one-size-fits-all; we thoroughly analyze the details of your situation to build the best defense possible.
  • Proven Results: We strive for dismissals, reduced charges, and alternatives to incarceration, prioritizing the best interests of our clients.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Don’t navigate the complexities of auto theft laws alone. If you’re facing charges related to auto theft, joyriding, or carjacking, contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer at (360) 334-6277. We offer free consultations and are available to start working on your defense. Your future matters to us, and we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.