Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Writer needs info

My heroine breaks into a private Seattle area lab to steal animal research subjects. She has no weapon. She confronts no one. She damages nothing.

Is this second degree felony burglary?

What likely sentence and fine would she be looking at?

Would they add trespassing? What degree? What sentence or fine?

Are there a total of three hearings to the process before actual trial? An initial hearing where bail is set? A preliminary hearing? And then the arraignment?

Would this be tried in District court?

I'll send you a signed copy of the novel at press.


Asked on 12/27/05, 9:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Writer needs info

To deliberately break in to private property with the intent to steal is felony burglary. She is loking at a possible prison sentence, possibly 6-24 months. Aong with such a convicion comes loss of civil rights, e.g., loss of right to vote, own or possess firearms, etc. The trespass is already taken into account with the burglary. How many hearings depends upon whether the case is filed in District Court or Superior Court. In District Court, you have the arraignment, the pre-trial hearing, jury trial readiness hearing and the trial. In Superior Court, You have the first appearance in District Court with bail hearing, then if no bail is posted, a second appearance for bail hearing, then arraignment in Superior Court, omnibus hearing, then trial. Any more questions, contact me directly. Good Luck and keep me posted as needed. N.B. If the case is plea bargained down to a misdemeanor from a felony, then the matter goes from Superior Court to District Court.

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Answered on 12/31/05, 12:16 am


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