State v. Richards

The State appeals an order dismissing an information charging possession of a stolen firearm in violation of RCW 9A.56.160(l)(e) and 9A.56.140(1). We reverse.

The issue in this case is whether the State, which had ample evidence to support a charge of either theft or possession of stolen property, may elect to charge the defendant with possession of the stolen firearm which had a value of less than $250 rather than the theft. Possession of a stolen firearm, regardless of value, is a class C felony, 1 while theft of any object of personal property, unless it is taken from the person of another…