Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Washington

Theft becomes a felony when the value exceeds $750. Theft in the third degree (property or services that does not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars in value, or ten or more merchandise pallets or beverage crates): gross misdemeanor. Theft in the second degree (more than $750 but not more than $5,000, other than a firearm or motor vehicle; or a public record or an access device regardless of value): class C felony. Theft in the first degree (more than $5,000, other than a firearm; or property of any value, other than a firearm or motor vehicle, taken from the person of another; or a search and rescue dog on duty; and certain metal property and emergency equipment): class B felony.

Washington grades felonies as class A, B and C (unless a different maximum is set by a specific statute). Class A felony: confinement in a state correctional institution for a term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $50,000, or both. Class B felony: up to 10 years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Class C felony: up to 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. These maximums apply to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984; actual sentences within the maximum are set under the Sentencing Reform Act.

Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Misdemeanor: up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.