Drug Crimes Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group
Within the broader criminal defense practice at Simmrin Law Group, drug crime representation is one of the areas that draws people to the firm's Burbank office at 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314. Led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, the firm helps individuals who have been arrested or cited for controlled substance offenses across Los Angeles County, from possession allegations involving small amounts of a restricted substance to more serious charges like possession for sale. This page profiles how that drug crime work fits into the firm's wider role as a criminal defense practice serving Burbank and the surrounding communities.
How Drug Crime Defense Fits Simmrin Law Group's Practice
Simmrin Law Group represents people facing infractions, misdemeanors, and felony charges at both the state and federal level. Drug crimes sit alongside the firm's other core areas — DUI cases, theft crimes, white collar matters, sex crimes, violent offenses, and federal charges — as part of a practice that guides clients through the Southern California legal system from arrest through resolution. Because so many drug-related situations overlap with DUI drug allegations, mental health considerations, and other charges, the firm's broad practice lets it view a drug case in the full context of a client's circumstances rather than in isolation.
The firm approaches these matters by building a defense strategy early. Drug convictions can carry harsh fines and jail or prison time, and even a relatively minor conviction can affect many parts of a person's life. Simmrin Law Group works to protect a client's rights, reputation, and future, and it describes an approach that treats clients like family throughout the process.
What Drug Crime Cases Involve in Plain Language
Drug charges in Burbank cover a wide range of conduct. Law enforcement may bring possession charges when officers find someone with a small amount of a controlled substance — stimulants, depressants, opiates, or hallucinogens — even when it is intended for personal use. People are sometimes arrested for having common painkillers such as codeine or hydrocodone, or steroids, without a prescription, since many illicit substances also have legitimate medical uses. Burbank sometimes uses charges tied to specific drugs, such as possession of Vicodin or possession of methamphetamine.
Marijuana occupies its own category. California legalized recreational use but only partially decriminalized the drug. Adults over 21 may possess certain amounts, possess some concentrated cannabis, and cultivate small amounts, but charges can still follow from exceeding legal limits, public use, sale, or driving under the influence. The firm represents clients cited or arrested for marijuana possession, underage use, public use, and DUI drug charges.
| Charge Type | What It Involves | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Possession | Being found with small amounts of a controlled substance, often for personal use | First-time convictions involving small amounts may carry up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000 |
| Marijuana Offenses | Possession, cultivation, or use outside the limits of California's partial decriminalization | Age, quantity, public use, and impaired driving all affect exposure |
| Possession for Sale | Holding more than the court believes is for personal use, sometimes with packaging, scales, or ledgers | Penalties can reach 4 years in prison and fines up to $20,000 |
| Marijuana Intent to Sell | Importing, selling, or giving away marijuana | There is no legal amount that may be sold or given away |
Possession Versus Possession for Sale
A distinction that confuses many people is the line between simple possession and possession for sale. Possession charges arise when police find someone with a small amount of a substance. Possession for sale applies when officers believe a person held more than they could personally use — and that charge can be filed even when no one witnessed a sale. Indicators such as quantity, packaging designed for sale, baggies, scales, or ledgers can trigger the more serious charge, which carries considerably heavier consequences.
What to Expect When Working With the Firm
For someone facing a drug allegation, the path forward often follows a recognizable sequence:
- Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation, which the firm makes available around the clock by phone.
- Share the details of the arrest or citation so the attorney can understand the specific charge and circumstances.
- Have the case reviewed to identify whether it involves possession, possession for sale, marijuana-specific conduct, or a DUI drug component.
- Work with the firm as it develops a defense strategy tailored to the facts.
- Prepare for court appearances with counsel who handles the procedural steps.
- Move toward a resolution while the firm works to protect the client's rights, record, and future.
Serving Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles Region
The firm's home base is Burbank, close to Warner Bros. Studios and the neighborhoods of Magnolia Park, Toluca Woods, and the wider Los Angeles County area. From there, Simmrin Law Group serves communities including Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, Studio City, the NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, and Larchmont, among many others. The region is dotted with familiar landmarks — the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame — and the firm's clients come from the residential and commercial communities that surround them.
Beyond Burbank, Simmrin Law Group also assists people in Alhambra, West Covina, Downey, Long Beach, and Anaheim. For anyone weighing their options after a drug arrest in these areas, the firm's drug crime work reflects its broader philosophy: respond quickly, understand the specific charge, and build a defense rather than accepting penalties without a fight.
Getting here
From Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is about 2.7 miles from Simmrin Law Group, an easy 10-minute drive. Take Universal Studios Blvd out toward Barham Blvd, then continue along W Olive Ave and S Cordova St to arrive.
Common questions
How much is a drug lawyer in CA 91505?
Drug crime defense fees vary widely depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, the complexity of the evidence, and how far the case proceeds toward trial. Rather than list a set figure, Simmrin Law Group in Burbank offers free, no-obligation consultations, allowing people facing drug charges to discuss their situation and understand potential representation before committing to anything.
What should you not tell your attorney in CA 91505?
You should always be fully honest with your defense attorney, since conversations are protected by attorney-client privilege. What to avoid is lying, hiding details, or discussing your case with anyone else, including on social media or over jail phone lines. A firm like Simmrin Law Group can only build the strongest defense when clients share the complete, truthful picture from arrest through resolution.
What's the worst felony charge you can get in CA 91505?
In California, the most serious felonies are capital offenses like first-degree murder, which can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty, along with certain violent and sex crimes classified as "strikes" under the state's Three Strikes Law. Simmrin Law Group handles violent offenses, sex crimes, and other serious felony matters at both the state and federal level throughout the Los Angeles region.
What is the typical jail time for felony offenses in California?
Felony sentences in California vary greatly by offense, ranging from 16 months to several years in county jail or state prison, with sentencing enhancements for prior strikes or aggravating factors. Some felonies allow probation instead of incarceration. Led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, Simmrin Law Group represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges, working to protect their rights, reputation, and future.
What is the hardest criminal case to beat in CA 91505?
Cases with strong physical evidence, credible eyewitnesses, confessions, or federal prosecution resources are generally the most challenging to defend. Sex crimes and violent felonies often carry heavy stigma alongside serious penalties. Simmrin Law Group takes on demanding matters including federal crimes, sex crimes, and violent offenses, guiding clients through the Southern California legal system from arrest through resolution.
What tricks do lawyers use in CA 91505?
Rather than tricks, skilled defense attorneys use legitimate strategies: challenging how evidence was gathered, questioning witness credibility, filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and negotiating charge reductions. Firms like Simmrin Law Group focus on protecting a client's constitutional rights, scrutinizing the prosecution's case, and pursuing the best available outcome, whether through negotiation or trial across Burbank and greater Los Angeles.
What makes you look bad in court in CA 91505?
Arriving late, dressing inappropriately, interrupting the judge, showing anger, or making inconsistent statements can all undermine your credibility in court. Discussing your case publicly or on social media can also hurt you. Simmrin Law Group guides clients through courtroom expectations and the Southern California legal process, describing an approach that treats clients like family while working to protect their reputation.