Criminal Defense Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group
As a criminal defense law firm, Simmrin Law Group centers much of its practice on the work profiled here: standing beside people who are facing infractions, misdemeanors, and felony charges at both the state and federal level. Operating from an office at 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314, in Burbank, California, the firm is led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin and guides clients through the Southern California legal system from the moment of arrest all the way through resolution. Criminal defense is the thread that connects nearly everything the practice does, from DUI matters to violent offenses and federal cases.
How Criminal Defense Fits Into Simmrin Law Group's Work
Criminal defense is the foundation the rest of the firm's practice areas branch out from. Whether a person is charged with a single misdemeanor or facing multiple, serious felony counts, the goal is the same: to protect their rights, reputation, and future. The legal team works to reduce sentences, pursue dismissals, and negotiate with prosecutors, giving each case personalized attention rather than treating it as one file among many. The firm has handled more than 100 jury trials, including capital murder cases, which informs how it prepares and argues defense strategies.
Because charges rarely stay simple, the firm treats criminal defense as a continuous process rather than a single event. From the time a client learns they are under investigation to the moment a verdict is read, a defense attorney monitors how law enforcement collects evidence, watches for unfair practices, and steps in at points where an unrepresented person could unintentionally harm their own case.
What This Work Involves in Plain Language
Much of criminal defense happens before a trial ever begins. Simmrin Law Group describes several distinct ways a defense lawyer strengthens a case, and the table below outlines them in everyday terms.
| Stage of Defense | What It Involves | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early advice | Around-the-clock access to a lawyer as soon as charges arise | Time is critical while prosecutors begin building their case |
| Bail hearings | Advocating on a client's behalf when the court sets bail | Helps prevent unnecessarily high fees for release before trial |
| Investigation oversight | Monitoring how police gather evidence after an arrest | Illegally obtained evidence may be challenged or dismissed |
| Communication | Handling all contact with police and prosecutors | Prevents statements from being turned against the client |
| Negotiation | Discussing plea bargains where appropriate | Can lead to reduced charges or more favorable outcomes |
What to Expect When Working With the Firm
While every case differs, the general path through a criminal matter tends to follow a recognizable sequence. Understanding that order can make a stressful situation feel more manageable.
- Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation, available by phone around the clock.
- Discuss the arrest and charges with a defense attorney before speaking to police or prosecutors.
- Have the attorney appear and advocate at any bail hearing.
- Allow the legal team to review how evidence was collected and identify anything improperly obtained.
- Explore defense strategies tailored to the specific charges, from DUI to violent or federal offenses.
- Weigh negotiation options, such as a plea bargain, against taking the case to trial.
- Move toward resolution, whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or a defense presented before a jury.
The Range of Charges the Firm Defends
Simmrin Law Group has handled nearly every type of criminal case. Depending on the charge, a client may work with attorneys focused on DUI matters, drug crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes, or white collar offenses such as embezzlement, extortion, and identity theft. The practice also covers violent offenses including assault and domestic violence, along with conspiracy charges. A distinct part of the firm's work is its focus on mental health law, addressing 5150 and 5250 holds, 5250 hearings, Murphy conservatorships, and restoration of sanity petitions, an area that often intersects with the criminal system.
Serving Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles Region
The firm's Burbank office sits in Los Angeles County, near landmarks such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Magnolia Park. From this base, Simmrin Law Group serves a wide swath of the region, including Toluca Woods, Studio City, North Hollywood and the NoHo Arts District, Glendale, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Griffith Park, and the Hollywood Hills, as well as communities stretching toward Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Hancock Park, and Larchmont. Clients across neighborhoods near Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Glendale Galleria fall within the areas the firm regularly represents.
What Sets This Approach Apart
Two qualities stand out in how Simmrin Law Group handles criminal defense. First is availability: the firm maintains around-the-clock phone access and offers free, no-obligation consultations, so a person does not have to wait to begin discussing their options at a moment when timing genuinely affects the strength of a defense. Second is its stated philosophy of treating clients like family while working to protect their rights, reputation, and future. Combined with a trial record spanning more than 100 jury trials, that approach shapes a practice built to guide people through some of the most stressful experiences they may ever face, from the first phone call after an arrest to the final resolution of their case.
Getting here
From Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Just a quick hop from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Simmrin Law Group sits only 0.2 miles away — roughly a one-minute drive. Follow Warner Blvd over to S Avon St and S Cordova St, and you're practically there before you've settled in.
Common questions
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in California in CA 91505?
Fees in California vary widely with the charge level, whether it's an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony, and how far a case proceeds toward trial. Some attorneys charge flat rates, others hourly. Simmrin Law Group, based at 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314 in Burbank, offers free, no-obligation consultations, giving those facing charges a chance to discuss their situation and understand costs before making any commitment.
What not to tell the attorney in CA 91505?
Honesty with your defense attorney is essential—withholding facts, minimizing your involvement, or lying can weaken your defense, since your lawyer needs the full picture to prepare. Conversations are protected by attorney-client privilege. Firms like Simmrin Law Group, led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, rely on candid communication to guide clients through the Southern California legal system from arrest through resolution and protect their rights effectively.
Is it worth it to hire a criminal defense attorney in CA 91505?
For most people facing charges, yes. A criminal defense attorney understands procedure, evidence rules, and plea negotiations, and can identify defenses a defendant might miss. The consequences—records, fines, or incarceration—often outweigh the cost. Simmrin Law Group represents people facing infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies at the state and federal level throughout Burbank, Glendale, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities, working to protect a client's reputation and future.
What is the hardest criminal case to beat in CA 91505?
Cases with strong physical evidence, credible eyewitnesses, confessions, or federal charges tend to be the most challenging, as federal prosecutions often carry extensive investigation and harsher penalties. No outcome is guaranteed, but experienced counsel matters. Simmrin Law Group handles a broad range of matters—including federal crimes, sex crimes, violent offenses, and drug crimes—guiding clients through complex charges within Los Angeles County.
What tricks do lawyers use in CA 91505?
Reputable defense attorneys don't rely on tricks—they use legitimate strategies: scrutinizing how evidence was gathered, challenging unlawful searches, questioning witness credibility, and negotiating favorable pleas. Understanding procedure is the real advantage. Simmrin Law Group, serving Burbank, Studio City, Hollywood, and neighboring areas, focuses on protecting clients' rights and describes an approach that treats clients like family while working through each stage of a case.
What makes you look bad in court in CA 91505?
Arriving late, dressing carelessly, interrupting the judge, showing anger, or contradicting your own statements can all undermine credibility before the court. Preparation and composure matter greatly. An attorney can advise on courtroom conduct and expectations. Simmrin Law Group, based in Burbank's Magnolia Park area of Los Angeles County, guides clients through the legal system from arrest through resolution, helping them navigate each hearing thoughtfully.