Possession of Stolen Property

In Washington State, there are three degrees of Possession of Stolen Property, as well as the crimes of Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree is a Gross Misdemeanor. All others in this category are Felonies. To "possess stolen property” means to “knowingly to receive, retain, possess, conceal, or dispose of stolen property knowing that it has been stolen and to withhold or appropriate the same to the use of any person other than the true owner or person entitled thereto." As there are separate crimes of possessing stolen firearms and vehicles, they are treated separately than the three degrees of Possession of Stolen Property. Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree (RCW 9A.56.150) is possessing stolen property worth more than $5000. Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.56.160) is possessing stolen property that is:

• a) worth more than $750 but less than $5000; or
• b) stolen public record, writing or instrument kept, filed, or deposited according to law; or
• c) stolen access device (any card, plate, code, account number, or other means of account access that can be used alone or in conjunction with another access device to obtain money, goods, services, or anything else of value, or that can be used to initiate a transfer of funds, other than a transfer originated solely by paper instrument)

Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.56.170) is possession stolen property that is:

• a) not worth more than $750; or
• b) ten or more stolen merchandise pallets, or ten or more stolen beverage crates, or a combination of ten or more stolen merchandise pallets and beverage crates

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.068) is a Class B Felony. A person is guilty of this crime if he or she knowingly possesses a stolen motor vehicle. Possessing a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310) is a Class B Felony. A person is guilty of possessing a stolen firearm if he or she possesses, carries, delivers, sells, or is in control of a stolen firearm. Each stolen firearm is a separate offense, and the value of the firearm is irrelevant. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged (or may be) with Possession of Stolen Property (First, Second or Third Degree) or Possession of a Stolen Firearm or Possession of a Stolen Vehicle in King County, Skagit County, Snohomish County, or Whatcom County, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today at (360) 659-4950 for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. With a reputation in the legal community as aggressive, effective and successful criminal defense attorneys, we are here to help you through your difficult times.