Vehicle Prowling In Washington
VEHICLE PROWLING
Definition of Vehicle Prowling
Vehicle Prowling is a charge that often accompanies charges related to vehicle theft. These offenses are charged when someone is inside a vehicle without permission and the facts indicate they were intending to commit a crime.
Two Degrees of Seriousness
In Washington some crimes have multiple degrees of seriousness, and this is one such charge. Vehicle Prowling has two degrees of seriousness, with First Degree being the most serious. Both are discussed below.
VEHICLE PROWLING IN THE SECOND DEGREE
Definition of Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree
RCW 9A.52.100 defines Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree as the following:
Entering or unlawfully remaining in a vehicle
With intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein
What type of Vehicle?
This charge does not apply to residential vehicles such as motor homes or boats with sleeping cabins. Those types of vehicles would be charged under Vehicle Prowling in the First Degree, outlined below.
Is Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree a Misdemeanor or Felony?
This charge is usually a Gross Misdemeanor. However, upon your third conviction for this charge it can be a Class C felony.
Potential Outcomes for a charge of Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree
A good outcome on a misdemeanor charge such as this could range from getting a dismissal of your case, completing a diversion, or reducing or avoiding jail time. As a felony, those options, or a reduction to a misdemeanor or lessening or avoiding prison time would also be good results. Your options will depend on the facts of the case and your history. For a personalized consultation, contact us here.
Potential punishments for a conviction for Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree range as follows:
As a Misdemeanor:
0-364 days in jail
Fines of $0-$5,000
Probation
Restitution
Classes or Treatment
A No Contact Order with the alleged victim
As a Class C Felony for a Third Conviction
0-5 years of jail or prison time (this may vary dependent upon your offender score, history, and charges)
Fines of $0-$10,000
Probation or DOC Supervision if you serve time in the Department of Corrections.
Restitution
Classes or Treatment
Prohibition of Possessing Firearms
A No Contact Order with the alleged victim
VEHICLE PROWLING IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Definition of Vehicle Prowling in the First Degree
RCW 9A.52.095 defines Vehicle Prowling in the First Degree as the following:
Entering or unlawfully remaining in:
a motor home, or
boat with sleeper cabin
With intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein
This charge is a Class C Felony.
Potential Outcomes for a charge of Vehicle Prowling in the First Degree
As a felony, this charge can carry some serious consequences. A good outcome on a felony charge such as this could range from getting a dismissal of your case, a reduction to a misdemeanor, or reducing the jail or prison time. To find out what might be possible for your specific situation, you can schedule a free consultation here.
Potential punishments for a conviction for a Class C felony range as follows:
0-5 years of jail or prison (this may vary dependent upon your offender score, history, and charges)
Fines of $0-$10,000
Probation or DOC Supervision if you serve time in the Department of Corrections.
Restitution
Classes or Treatment
Prohibition of Possessing Firearms
A No Contact Order with the alleged victim
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT A CHARGE FOR VEHICLE PROWLING?
What should I do if I am accused of Vehicle Prowling?
If you are being accused of a crime or are subject to a law enforcement investigation, please read more about your options here. Even if charges have not been filed yet, there are things an attorney can do to help. Most importantly, in some cases we can work to stop those charges from being filed. If you are in this situation you can schedule a free consultation here.
What should I do if I am charged with Vehicle Prowling?
If you have been charged and given a court date, you absolutely will need an attorney’s help to fight those charges, especially if you are facing a felony charge. Read more about what to do if you have been arrested here, or charged with a crime here.
Can I get my case dismissed?
The answer to this question will completely depend on the facts of your case. In any case a dismissal of the charges is the best case scenario, and there are multiple ways of getting one - outright, by completing a diversion program, or by winning a trial. We can walk you through what options are possible in your case.
