Laws and Regulations
Collaborative initiatives and data-driven insights Against organized retail crime
Retail theft in Washington State is primarily addressed through state criminal laws, with local law enforcement playing a significant role in enforcement.
Shoplifting or theft of property valued under $750 is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. In some cases, related charges like criminal trespassing may also be filed.
Organized retail crime (ORC), which involves larger-scale theft operations, is treated as a felony under Washington law, specifically RCW 9A.56.350. Organized retail theft in the first degree, where the stolen property exceeds $5,000, is a Class B felony, while theft involving property valued between $750 and $5,000 is classified as a Class C felony. These crimes may involve individuals committing multiple thefts, which can be prosecuted either separately or in combination. Penalties are determined based on the defendant’s criminal history and the severity of the offense, and additional charges like robbery, burglary, or trafficking stolen goods may be brought in some cases.
At the federal level, there is no specific law targeting organized retail crime. However, law enforcement can use various provisions in the U.S. Code to prosecute ORC rings, such as laws concerning money laundering, racketeering (RICO), and the transportation or sale of stolen goods. These provisions offer federal authorities additional tools to combat larger, interstate criminal operations.