theft or fraud

Placer County Theft & Fraud Defense Attorney

Tiemann Defense – Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn & Rocklin

Aggressive Representation for Theft and Fraud Charges in Placer County, California

If you are facing theft or fraud charges in Placer County, your freedom, reputation, and career are at stake. At Tiemann Defense, we provide strategic, results-driven criminal defense for clients throughout Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn, and Rocklin.

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

Our goal is simple: avoid jail, protect your record, and position your case for dismissal or reduction whenever possible.

What Are Theft and Fraud Crimes in California?

California theft and fraud offenses generally involve taking money, property, or services through unlawful means or deception. Many of these charges are wobblers, meaning they can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on:

• Value of the loss
• Your criminal history
• The sophistication of the alleged conduct

Common Theft & Fraud Charges in California

Petty Theft – Penal Code § 484 / § 488

Elements

The prosecutor must prove:

• You took someone else’s property
• Without consent
• Intended to permanently deprive the owner
• Value $950 or less

Penalties

• Misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines and restitution
• Theft classes or probation

Defense Strategies

• Lack of intent
• Ownership or right to the property
• Mistaken identity
• Insufficient evidence

Grand Theft – Penal Code § 487

Elements

• Theft of property over $950
• Or firearm / certain high-value items

Penalties

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

Key Defense Opportunities

• Value under $950
• Claim of right
• Negotiated reduction to misdemeanor

Shoplifting – Penal Code § 459.5

Elements

• Entered a commercial business
• During regular business hours
• With intent to steal property worth $950 or less

Penalties

• Misdemeanor (in most cases)
• Felony upgrade if person has priors
• Diversion frequently available

Burglary – Penal Code § 459

Elements

• Entered a structure or locked vehicle
• With intent to commit theft or a felony

Degrees & Punishment

First Degree (residential):

• Felony
• Strike offense
• Up to 6 years in prison

Second Degree (commercial):

• Wobbler

Defenses

• No intent at time of entry
• False accusations
• Illegal search and seizure

Identity Theft – Penal Code § 530.5

Elements

• Used someone’s personal identifying information
• Without consent
• For an unlawful purpose

Penalties

• Wobbler
• Up to 3 years in custody

Forgery – Penal Code § 470

Includes:

• Fake checks
• Signing someone else’s name
• Altering financial documents

Punishment

• Misdemeanor or felony
• Up to 3 years in custody

Embezzlement – Penal Code § 503

Elements

• You were entrusted with property
• You fraudulently used it for your own benefit

Common in:

• Employee theft cases
• Business disputes

Credit Card Fraud – Penal Code § 484g / § 484f

Conduct Includes:

• Using stolen card information
• Creating fake cards
• Unauthorized transactions

Restitution in Theft & Fraud Cases

In California, restitution is mandatory if there is a proven financial loss.

You may be ordered to pay:

• Full financial losses
• Investigation costs in some cases
• Payment as a condition of probation or diversion

💡 Early repayment can:

• Help avoid custody
• Strengthen negotiation leverage
• Improve chances for dismissal or reduction

Wobbler Offenses & the 17(b) Motion

Many theft and fraud charges are wobblers.

What Is a 17(b) Motion?

A Penal Code § 17(b) motion allows a felony to be reduced to a misdemeanor when:

• Probation is granted, or
• The court finds the offense and your background warrant a reduction

Benefits

• No felony conviction
• Restored civil rights
• Better employment opportunities
• Easier record clearing

Diversion Programs for Theft & Fraud Cases

Pretrial Diversion – Penal Code § 1001.95

May allow:

• Case dismissal
• No conviction
• No jail

Common Conditions

• Restitution
• Theft awareness classes
• Counseling
• Stay-away orders

Judicial Diversion

Available in many non-violent theft cases, especially for:

• First-time offenders
• Low-loss cases

Mental Health Diversion

If mental health played a significant role.

Strategic Defenses to Theft & Fraud Charges

At Tiemann Defense, we build customized defense strategies, including:

• Lack of intent to steal or defraud
• Consent from the owner
• False accusations
• Insufficient evidence
• Illegal searches
• Accounting errors in embezzlement cases
• Identity theft by another person

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier we get involved, the more options we can pursue:

✅ Pre-filing negotiations
✅ Diversion instead of charges
✅ Reduction to misdemeanor
✅ Civil compromise in eligible cases
✅ Restitution-based resolutions

Why Choose Tiemann Defense?

✔ Local experience in Placer County courts
✔ Focused on theft & fraud defense
✔ Strategic negotiations with prosecutors
✔ Courtroom-ready litigation approach
✔ Personalized representation

Speak With a Placer County Theft & Fraud Defense Lawyer Today

If you were arrested or are under investigation for theft or fraud in Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn, or Rocklin, do not wait.

Tiemann Defense is ready to protect your future.

📞 Call 916.939.3900 for a confidential consultation
📍 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678

Frequently Asked Questions

Can theft charges be dismissed in California?

Yes. Through diversion, lack of evidence, illegal search challenges, or successful negotiation.

Will I go to jail for a first theft offense?

In many cases, jail can be avoided, especially with early legal intervention and restitution.

Can a felony theft be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. A 17(b) motion can reduce many felony theft charges.

Do I have to pay restitution?

If there is a verified loss, restitution is mandatory—but strategic payment timing can improve your outcome.

Call Tiemann Defense Today

Your freedom. Your record. Your future. Protected.