Washington Stolen Property Crimes

Possession of stolen property is also a Washington crime.

The laws governing Washington possession of stolen property crimes can be found in the Revised Code of Washington at RCW 9A.56.

In Washington possession of stolen property means to "receive, retain, possess, conceal, or dispose of stolen property knowing that it has been stolen." RCW 9A.56.140(1).

The fact that the person who stole the property has not been convicted, apprehended or identified is not a defense to the Washington crime of possessing stolen property.

Possession of Stolen Property crimes in Washington are divided into the following categories:

• Possessing Stolen Property in the 1st Degree (9A.56.150):
  A person commits Possession of Stolen Property in the 1st Degree by possessing stolen property that exceeds $1,500 in value.

  Possessing Stolen Property in the 1st Degree is a Class B Felony punishable by a maximum of 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine. Actual penalties for a Washington theft crime, however, are determined by the Sentencing Reform Act, RCW 9.94A and the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines.

• Possessing Stolen Property in the 2nd Degree (9A.56.160):
  A person commits Possession of Stolen Property in the 2nd Degree by possessing stolen property that exceeds $250 in value or possess a stolen access device.

  Possessing Stolen Property in the 2nd Degree is a Class C Felony punishable by a maximum of 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Actual penalties for a Washington theft crime, however, are determined by the Sentencing Reform Act, RCW 9.94A and the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines.

• Possessing Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree (9A.56.170):
  A person commits the crime of Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree by possessing stolen property with a value less than $250.

  Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree is a Gross Misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. RCW 9.92.020.