Property Crimes

Placer County Property Crimes Defense Lawyer

Theft, Burglary, Robbery, Vandalism, Arson & More – Tiemann Defense

 

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a property crime in Placer County — including Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Auburn — you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.

Tiemann Defense provides aggressive and strategic representation for clients facing misdemeanor and felony property crime charges throughout Placer County.

📍 Office: 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 Call Now: 916.939.3900

What Is a Property Crime in California?

A property crime involves taking, damaging, entering, or possessing property without the owner’s permission. These charges range from low-level misdemeanors to serious strike felonies depending on:

• Value of the property
• Use of force or fear
• Type of structure involved
• Prior criminal history

A conviction can lead to:

• Jail or prison
• Restitution
• Strike offenses
• Immigration consequences
• Permanent criminal record

California “Wobblers” Explained

Many property crimes are wobblers, meaning they can be filed as either:

• Misdemeanors, or
• Felonies

The decision depends on:

• Value of the loss
• Facts of the case
• Criminal history

An experienced defense attorney can often:

• Negotiate a felony reduction to a misdemeanor
• File a PC 17(b) motion to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor

This can be life-changing for employment, licensing, housing, and immigration purposes.

Theft Crimes in California

Petty Theft – PC 484 / 488

Elements:

• Taking someone’s property
• Without permission
• Intent to permanently deprive

Penalty:

• Misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in jail

Grand Theft – PC 487

Triggered when:

• Property value exceeds $950
• Firearm is taken
• Taken directly from a person

Penalty:

• Misdemeanor or felony (wobbler)
• Up to 3 years in jail/prison

Common Theft Defenses

• Lack of intent
• Mistaken ownership
• Claim of right
• Insufficient evidence
• Illegal search and seizure

Shoplifting – PC 459.5

Entering a store during business hours with intent to steal property worth $950 or less.

Usually, a misdemeanor and often eligible for diversion.  However, due to recent changes in the law a petty theft offense can be upgraded to a felony if a person has 2 or more prior theft offenses.

Burglary – PC 459

First-Degree Burglary (Residential)

Entering an inhabited home with intent to commit theft or any felony.

Penalty:

• Felony strike
• Up to 6 years in prison

Second-Degree Burglary (Commercial)

Wobbler offense.

Defenses to Burglary

• No intent at time of entry
• False accusation
• Entry was lawful

Robbery – PC 211

Taking property from a person or their immediate presence using force or fear.

Penalty:

• Always a felony
• Strike offense
• Up to 9 years in prison

Key Defense Issues

• Identity
• Lack of force or fear
• Property not taken from the person

Vandalism – PC 594

Damaging, destroying, or defacing property.

Penalties:

• Under $400 → Misdemeanor
• $400 or more → Wobbler Felony

Common in Placer County cases involving graffiti and vehicle damage.

Arson – PC 451 & Reckless Burning – PC 452

Arson requires:

• Willfully and maliciously setting fire to property.

Penalties:

• Felony
• State prison
• Strike in aggravated cases

Defenses often focus on:

• Lack of intent
• Accident
• False forensic conclusions

Receiving Stolen Property – PC 496

You can be charged even if you didn’t commit the theft.

Elements:

• Property was stolen
• You knew it was stolen
• You possessed or bought it

This is a wobbler and frequently negotiable.

Trespassing – PC 602

Includes:

• Entering property without permission
• Refusing to leave
• Squatting

Usually, a misdemeanor with strong defenses based on lack of notice or intent.

Embezzlement – PC 503

Taking property entrusted to you (common in employee theft cases).

Key Issue:
Intent to deprive the owner.

Can be filed as grand theft depending on the amount.

Diversion Programs for Property Crimes in Placer County

Many non-violent property offenses qualify for pretrial diversion, which can lead to:

✅ Case dismissal
✅ No conviction
✅ Record sealing

Common options include:

• Misdemeanor diversion
• Judicial diversion
• Mental health diversion (when applicable)

Typical diversion terms:

• Theft awareness classes
• Restitution
• Stay-away orders
• Community service

PC 17(b) – Reducing a Felony to a Misdemeanor

If you are charged with a wobbler, Tiemann Defense can:

• Seek a misdemeanor filing from the start, or
• File a 17(b) motion after probation is granted

Benefits include:

• No felony record
• Restoration of rights
• Better employment opportunities

Why Choose Tiemann Defense for Property Crime Charges?

We understand the Placer County court system and how local prosecutors evaluate:

• Theft cases
• Burglary charges
• Robbery allegations
• Embezzlement investigations

Our goal is always to pursue:

✔ Dismissals
✔ Diversion
✔ Reduced charges
✔ Record-clearing solutions

Courts We Serve in Placer County

We represent clients throughout:

• Roseville
• Rocklin
• Lincoln
• Auburn

Call a Placer County Property Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing theft, burglary, robbery, vandalism, arson, embezzlement, or trespassing charges, early intervention by a defense attorney can dramatically change the outcome of your case.

Tiemann Defense
📍 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 916.939.3900

Request a Free Consultation

Call today to protect your record, your reputation, and your future.