Being charged with any type of theft crime can create a multitude of challenges for those here in the state of Washington. This can especially be true for juveniles facing these unfortunate situations due to the potential long-term repercussions in the event of a conviction. With so much potentially at stake regarding a child’s future employment and educational opportunities, it could prove invaluable to explore all available legal options.
At the top of the priority list for many parents of juveniles who are facing formal accusations of theft is determining the most adequate criminal defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of the alleged incident. There are certain defenses that are more common in these cases, including the following:
- Intoxication: The influence of alcohol or drugs may have caused the accused to make an honest mistake when taking the property in question.
- Belief of a valid claim to the property: In some situations, those accused of theft may have had a legitimate reason for believing the property was rightfully theirs.
- Entrapment: This can occur if the accused was influenced into committing the crime by someone in a position of authority.
- Lack of intent: There have been some cases where evidence suggested the accused had no true intent to permanently take the owner’s personal property.
No matter the uniqueness of the formal allegations any juvenile here in the state of Washington may be facing, it’s important to remember that theft charges are far from an actual conviction. Fortunately, there are professional resources readily available to provide guidance and support throughout these trying times. An experienced criminal law attorney can pursue all legal avenues, including any potential plea deals that could result in a reduction of charges while working diligently toward achieving the most favorable outcome possible.