Extortion Defense Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group
Within the broad criminal defense practice of Simmrin Law Group, extortion cases occupy a distinct corner of the firm's white collar and violent crimes work. Operating from 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314 in Burbank, the firm represents people accused of using threats or coercion to obtain money, property, or an official act — a charge treated under California Penal Code § 518 as a felony. Led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, the firm approaches these allegations the same way it handles the rest of its docket: examining the evidence closely, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's account, and guiding clients through the Los Angeles County court system from the first accusation to resolution.
How Extortion Defense Fits Simmrin Law Group's Practice
Extortion sits at the intersection of several areas the firm already handles day to day, including theft crimes, violent offenses, and white collar matters. Because the line between a legitimate demand and criminal coercion can be blurry, these cases often turn on interpretation of communications, financial records, and witness accounts. Simmrin Law Group frames extortion defense as part of a wider commitment to representing people facing infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies at both the state and federal level — treating each client, in the firm's own words, like family while working to protect their rights, reputation, and future.
What an Extortion Charge Involves in Plain Language
Under California Penal Code § 518, extortion generally means obtaining property or a benefit through the wrongful use of force or fear, or compelling an official act through such threats. A conviction can carry serious consequences, and cases involving threats of violence or actual violence tend to draw the harshest outcomes. Courts weigh factors such as the severity of the alleged conduct, a person's prior criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances before reaching a sentence.
| Aspect | What It Involves | Typical Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Felony offense under Penal Code § 518 | State-level charge; may involve related counts |
| Custody exposure | Up to four years in state prison | Length influenced by aggravating factors |
| Financial penalties | Criminal fines up to $10,000 | Can add a substantial burden alongside custody |
| Violence enhancement | Threats or actual violence involved | Longer sentences and higher fines possible |
| Sentencing factors | Offense severity, criminal history, circumstances | Mitigating facts can reduce exposure |
How Simmrin Law Group Approaches This Work
The firm describes a thorough, investigation-driven method for building an extortion defense. Rather than accept the prosecution's framing, its attorneys work to reconstruct the timeline of events, test the credibility of witnesses, and separate direct proof from circumstantial inference. Because prosecutors in extortion cases often lean on indirect evidence — suspicious behavior, inconsistent alibis, or unusual financial transactions — the firm's analysis focuses on how firmly that evidence actually connects a client to the alleged conduct.
- Reviewing police reports and the underlying accusation to understand what the prosecution intends to prove.
- Building a case investigation strategy that gathers financial records, phone records, surveillance footage, and other documentation.
- Interviewing witnesses and reviewing their statements for contradictions between initial accounts and later testimony.
- Applying evidence analysis techniques to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and gaps that weaken the state's case.
- Consulting experts in fields such as forensic accounting or digital forensics where specialized testimony may support the defense.
- Weighing forensic psychology insights to assess the motivations and possible biases of key witnesses, including the alleged victim.
- Developing a tailored strategy aimed at challenging the charges or minimizing the penalties on conviction.
The firm notes that a well-planned investigation matters especially in extortion cases, where the roles of victim and accused can be difficult to distinguish. Scrutinizing witness statements for inconsistencies, and casting doubt on shaky circumstantial links, are central tools in that effort.
Serving Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles Region
Simmrin Law Group's Burbank office places it close to Warner Bros. Studios and the surrounding communities of Magnolia Park, Toluca Woods, and Griffith Park. From this base in Los Angeles County, the firm extends its criminal defense work across a wide swath of the region, including Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, Studio City, the NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Glendale, Beverly Hills, and neighborhoods such as Hancock Park, Windsor Square, and Larchmont. Residents near landmarks like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl, the Glendale Galleria, and The Americana at Brand fall within the areas the firm regularly serves.
What Distinguishes the Firm's Handling of These Cases
Simmrin Law Group emphasizes that its lawyers have served thousands of clients across a full range of criminal matters, from DUI and drug crimes to sex crimes, federal offenses, and mental health law addressing 5150 and 5250 holds. That breadth informs how the firm handles extortion charges, drawing on experience with both white collar and violent-crime dynamics. The firm offers free, no-obligation consultations and maintains around-the-clock phone availability at +1 310-620-1886, reflecting an approach built on close, individualized attention to each client's specific circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all defense.
Getting here
From Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
From the Hollywood Walk of Fame HQ, Simmrin Law Group is about 4.6 miles away, roughly a 13-minute drive. Follow Vine St to Franklin Ave and US-101 N, then continue on Barham Blvd and Cahuenga Blvd E.
Common questions
Is it hard to prove extortion in CA 91505?
Extortion can be difficult to prove because prosecutors must show that a defendant used force, fear, or threats to obtain money, property, or an official act, and that the alleged victim consented under that pressure. Intent is central and often disputed. Firms like Simmrin Law Group, an extortion defense practice based in Burbank, scrutinize the evidence, communications, and alleged threats to challenge whether the state can meet that burden.
What should you not tell an attorney in CA 91505?
You should never hide facts from your own defense attorney, since honesty lets them prepare properly. What you should avoid is discussing your case with anyone else, posting details online, or speaking to police without counsel present. Conversations with your lawyer are protected. Simmrin Law Group in Burbank encourages clients to be fully candid with their attorney while staying quiet with everyone else until strategy is set.
What are the three types of extortion in CA 91505?
Extortion is often described in three forms: threats of unlawful injury or force, threats to accuse someone of a crime, and threats to expose a secret or disgrace, all used to compel money, property, or an official act. California also recognizes extortion under color of official right. Simmrin Law Group in Burbank handles extortion defense across these categories throughout Los Angeles County.
How do you fight against extortion charges in CA 91505?
Defending an extortion charge often means challenging the prosecution's proof of a genuine threat, showing the alleged victim's consent was not obtained through fear, or demonstrating lawful intent. Documenting communications and context matters greatly. Simmrin Law Group, an extortion defense firm in Burbank serving Glendale, Studio City, and greater Los Angeles, reviews evidence closely and works to protect a client's rights from arrest through resolution.
What is the punishment for extortion in California (CA 91505)?
Extortion is generally a felony in California and can carry significant state prison time, fines, and formal probation, with penalties influenced by the circumstances and any prior record. Consequences can also affect reputation and employment. Simmrin Law Group in Burbank represents people facing extortion and related white collar charges at the state and federal level, guiding clients through Southern California's legal system toward the best available outcome.
What tricks do lawyers use in CA 91505?
Rather than tricks, skilled criminal defense attorneys use legitimate strategy: examining how evidence was gathered, filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained material, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing thorough cross-examination. The goal is protecting constitutional rights. Simmrin Law Group in Burbank, led by attorney Michael Simmrin, applies careful case analysis across DUI, theft, violent, and white collar matters, describing an approach that treats clients like family.
Can you say yes sir to a judge in CA 91505?
Yes. Addressing a judge respectfully is expected, though "Your Honor" is the most standard and preferred term in a courtroom. Politeness, clear answers, and appropriate demeanor all reflect well on a defendant. Simmrin Law Group in Burbank prepares clients for court appearances throughout Los Angeles County, explaining courtroom etiquette and what to expect so they can present themselves properly before the judge.