Assault Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group
Simmrin Law Group is a Burbank criminal defense firm that treats assault allegations as one of the most consequential matters it handles for clients across Los Angeles County. Led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, the firm defends people accused of violent offenses at both the misdemeanor and felony level, guiding them from the moment of arrest through resolution in court. Because assault is classified as a violent crime in California and carries the possibility of fines, jail, or state prison, the firm approaches these cases with the same close attention it gives to the rest of its criminal defense practice.
Where Assault Defense Fits Within Simmrin Law Group's Work
Assault defense is part of a broader violent-crimes practice at Simmrin Law Group, sitting alongside its work on battery, domestic violence, and other charges that fall under California's penal statutes. The firm also represents clients facing DUI, drug crimes, theft crimes, federal charges, sex crimes, and white collar matters such as embezzlement and extortion, and it maintains a distinct mental health law focus covering 5150 and 5250 holds. Within that range, assault cases call for careful factual investigation, because the charge itself hinges on intent and ability rather than on whether anyone was actually struck or injured.
In plain terms, California defines assault as an unlawful attempt, combined with the present ability, to commit a violent injury against another person. A person does not have to land a blow to be charged. That legal nuance is exactly why the firm emphasizes early involvement: understanding what the prosecution must prove often shapes whether a case can be dismissed, reduced, or resolved through a negotiated plea before it ever reaches trial.
Understanding the Charges Simmrin Law Group Defends
Assault allegations in California vary widely in seriousness, and the specific charge drives everything that follows. The table below outlines the categories the firm commonly addresses and the considerations tied to each.
| Charge | What It Involves | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Simple assault | An attempt, with present ability, to cause violent injury to another | A misdemeanor that may carry up to six months in jail, a fine, or both |
| Aggravated assault | An alleged attack involving a weapon or targeting a protected class of victim, such as a police officer or teacher | A wobbler that may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with the potential for lengthy prison terms |
| Felony assault | The more serious classification of aggravated assault | Can count toward California's 1994 Three Strikes law, raising the stakes of any conviction |
| Assault and battery | Battery, the unlawful use of force or violence, charged together with assault | Each offense carries its own penalties, making the combined case harder to defend |
How Simmrin Law Group Builds an Assault Defense
Once retained, the firm's Burbank attorneys work to reconstruct what actually happened and to identify the weaknesses in the prosecution's version of events. That investigation may draw on police reports, security footage, and witness interviews, along with the client's own account of the incident. The following sequence reflects how an assault matter typically unfolds when handled by the firm.
- Contact the firm as early as possible after an arrest, ideally before speaking further with police, to avoid common early mistakes.
- Review the specific charges and their potential consequences during a free case evaluation.
- Investigate the facts by examining reports, footage, and witness statements to establish an accurate narrative.
- Weigh possible defenses, such as self-defense, defense of another, mistaken identity, lack of unlawful attempt, or lack of ability to commit violence.
- Pursue dismissal or reduction of charges where the evidence supports it.
- Negotiate a plea bargain when that path serves the client's interests.
- Take the case to trial and fight the charges in court when a favorable resolution cannot be reached.
The firm notes that self-defense and defense of another are stronger when a witness or video evidence supports the account, and that in chaotic situations mistaken identity can play a real role. Each defense is matched to the facts rather than applied by formula.
Serving Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles Region
Simmrin Law Group works from an office at 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314, in Burbank, placing it near Warner Bros. Studios and within reach of the communities it serves throughout Los Angeles County. Those areas include Toluca Woods, Magnolia Park, Studio City, North Hollywood and the NoHo Arts District, Glendale, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Hancock Park, Larchmont, Windsor Square, and neighborhoods stretching toward Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills. Clients dealing with incidents near landmarks such as Griffith Park, the Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory, or Universal CityWalk fall within the firm's regular footprint.
What Distinguishes the Firm's Approach
Simmrin Law Group draws a clear contrast between the individualized attention it provides and the constraints public defenders often face. While acknowledging that public defenders are capable attorneys, the firm points out that heavy caseloads typically leave them less time and fewer resources to devote to any single case. The firm offers free, no-obligation consultations and maintains around-the-clock phone availability, reflecting its stated approach of treating clients like family while working to protect their rights, reputation, and future when an assault charge threatens all three.
Getting here
From Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is about 4.1 miles from Simmrin Law Group, an easy 7-minute drive. Follow Zoo Dr to Riverside Dr, then hop onto CA-134 W toward Hollywood Way and W Alameda Ave.
Common questions
How much does a lawyer cost for assault in CA 91505?
Assault defense fees vary with the severity of the charge, whether it's a misdemeanor or felony, and how far the case proceeds. Some attorneys bill hourly while others set flat fees per case. Simmrin Law Group, a criminal defense firm in Burbank serving Los Angeles County, offers free, no-obligation consultations, which lets someone facing assault charges understand potential costs before committing to representation.
What should I not tell my attorney in CA 91505?
There's little you should hide from your own attorney, since conversations are protected by attorney-client privilege and honesty helps them build a defense. The real caution is what you say to police or others, not your lawyer. Firms like Simmrin Law Group in Burbank encourage clients to be candid during consultations so counsel can accurately assess the charges and protect their rights from arrest through resolution.
How often do SA cases get dismissed in CA 91505?
Dismissal rates for serious assault cases depend heavily on evidence, witness reliability, and procedural issues, so there's no fixed percentage. Cases can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through negotiation when weaknesses emerge. Simmrin Law Group, handling assault, violent crimes, and related matters across Los Angeles County from its Burbank office, reviews the specifics of each case at both the state and federal level to identify the strongest defense strategy.
What is the best defense for assault charges in CA 91505?
Common assault defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, and insufficient evidence. The right approach depends entirely on the facts of the incident. Simmrin Law Group, a Burbank-based criminal defense firm led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, handles assault, battery, and other violent offense cases throughout the greater Los Angeles area, guiding clients through the Southern California legal system from arrest onward.
What makes you look bad in court in CA 91505?
Arriving late, dressing carelessly, interrupting the judge, showing anger, or contradicting earlier statements can all undermine how a defendant is perceived in court. Preparation and composure matter. Criminal defense firms like Simmrin Law Group in Burbank help clients understand courtroom expectations and present their case clearly, working to protect their reputation and future while navigating charges throughout Los Angeles County.