Grand Theft Attorney in Seattle

27 Years of Felony Theft Defense. I Handle Your Case Personally.

Washington’s criminal code doesn’t have a charge called “grand theft.” That term is shorthand borrowed from other states, but it maps directly to real Washington felonies that carry significant prison time. If you’re searching for a grand theft lawyer in Seattle, you’re most likely facing a charge of Theft in the First Degree or Theft in the Second Degree, and those charges are serious enough to demand immediate attention from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

I’m Attorney Matthew T. Hale, and I handle felony theft cases at my firm personally. If you’ve been charged or believe charges are coming, call (206) 207-4776 now for a free consultation.

Washington’s Felony Theft Statutes Explained

Two primary statutes govern what people commonly call grand theft in Washington. Understanding which one applies to your situation shapes every strategic decision in the case.

Theft in the First Degree (RCW 9A.56.030)
This charge applies when the property or services taken are valued at more than $5,000, or when property of any value is taken directly from another person. Theft of a firearm and theft of a motor vehicle are charged as separate felony offenses under Washington law, regardless of dollar value. Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony.

Theft in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.56.040)
This charge applies when the value of property or services falls between $750 and $5,000, or when an access device such as a credit card is stolen. Theft in the Second Degree is a class C felony.

What a Felony Theft Conviction Can Cost You

The statutory maximums are steep. A class B felony conviction for Theft in the First Degree carries up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. A class C felony conviction for Theft in the Second Degree carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Actual sentencing falls within those ceilings and depends heavily on your offender score and prior criminal history under Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs, and courts can order restitution as part of a sentence. These variables are exactly why a defense strategy has to be built around your specific record, not a generic playbook.

How I Handle Felony Theft Cases in King County

Felony theft charges aren’t resolved in Seattle Municipal Court, which handles misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors within city limits. Charges like Theft in the First Degree and Theft in the Second Degree are filed and heard in King County Superior Court, regardless of where in the county the offense allegedly occurred.

The case begins with formal charges in Superior Court, followed by arraignment, where you’re informed of the charges and enter a plea. From there, the defense moves into discovery. In every theft case I handle, I formally request and review all prosecution evidence: police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements. What the prosecution has and what they can actually prove at trial are often two different things.

A Recent Case Result

In City of Shoreline v. X.L. (December 2025), I defended a client charged with theft who faced serious immigration consequences if convicted and had an outstanding warrant hanging over the case. The warrant was dropped, and the case was dismissed. High-stakes cases don’t intimidate me. They sharpen my preparation.

Why Seattle Clients Facing Theft Charges Choose Hale Law Enterprises

When you hire Hale Law Enterprises, you work directly with me. No handoffs to a junior associate, and no delegating the work on a charge that could define your record. I bring more than 27 years of courtroom experience to every case, and I’ve defended clients in high-profile matters where the pressure to accept a bad plea was real and significant.

What you get when you work with me:

• Direct, personal handling of your case by Attorney Matthew T. Hale
• 27-plus years of criminal defense experience in Washington courts
• 24/7 availability when questions or developments arise
• Services provided in both English and Spanish
• Over 475 five-star Google reviews reflecting consistent client trust
• A free initial consultation to discuss your charges and options

Facing a Felony Theft Charge? Call for a Free Consultation.

A felony theft charge in Washington can affect your employment prospects, your immigration status, and your freedom. The earlier you have a defense attorney reviewing the evidence, the more options you can have. Don’t wait for the prosecution to build its case unchallenged.

Call Hale Law Enterprises at (206) 207-4776 today to schedule your free consultation.