Theft Crimes Lawyer
Simmrin Law Group
Within the broader criminal defense practice at Simmrin Law Group, theft crime cases form a distinct area of focus for the Burbank firm. Operating from 3500 W Olive Ave, Unit 314, and led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin, the firm represents people accused of theft-related offenses across the greater Los Angeles region, guiding them from arrest through resolution. Theft charges in Burbank are handled by the local justice system with notable severity, and this part of the firm's work centers on helping clients understand what they are facing and building a defense before the case advances too far.
How Theft Defense Fits Into Simmrin Law Group's Practice
Theft crimes sit alongside the firm's other practice areas — including DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent offenses, federal charges, and mental health law — as one strand of a full-service criminal defense operation. Because theft accusations can range from a minor shoplifting allegation to a felony robbery charge, the firm treats each case according to its specific facts rather than applying a one-size approach. Related matters such as embezzlement and identity theft, both offered as focused services, frequently overlap with theft defense, giving the firm a wide vantage point on how prosecutors in Los Angeles County build and pursue these cases.
What Theft Charges Involve in Plain Language
California law divides theft into several categories, and the distinctions carry real consequences. Petty theft generally involves property valued at less than $950 and can be charged through methods such as shoplifting, larceny, embezzlement, or theft by fraud or trick. Grand theft applies when the value exceeds $950, or when specific items such as firearms, motor vehicles, or horses are involved. Certain agricultural items, shellfish, and fish can trigger harsher charges even at lower values. Vehicle theft is handled separately, split between the unlawful taking of a vehicle — often called joyriding, when the person intends to return it — and grand theft auto, when the intent is to keep it. Robbery, meanwhile, involves taking property from another person by force or fear, and is divided into first- and second-degree charges.
| Type of Theft | What It Involves | General Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Theft | Property valued under $950; includes shoplifting, larceny, embezzlement, theft by trick | Can carry fines and up to 6 months of jail time |
| Grand Theft | Property over $950, or firearms, vehicles, horses, or certain agricultural goods | May result in up to 3 years in prison |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | Unlawful taking (joyriding) or grand theft auto, depending on intent | Penalties scale with the value of the vehicle |
| Robbery | Taking from a person by force or fear; first or second degree | May carry 5–9 years in prison and significant fines |
How Simmrin Law Group Approaches a Theft Case
The firm's stated approach emphasizes acting early and examining every angle of the accusation. Common defense strategies in theft matters include demonstrating that a client was wrongfully accused, that their rights were violated during a police stop or search, that there was no intent to steal, that the client believed the property was their own, or that they had permission to take it. A typical path through a theft case with the firm tends to follow a recognizable sequence.
- An initial free consultation to review the accusation and the client's account of events.
- A close look at how the alleged theft was committed and which specific charge applies.
- Assessment of the evidence, including how police gathered it and whether rights were observed.
- Identification of applicable defenses, from lack of intent to mistaken ownership.
- Negotiation with prosecutors where appropriate, which may include reduced charges such as joyriding in place of grand theft auto.
- Preparation to contest the charge and protect the client's record, reputation, and future.
Serving Burbank and the Surrounding Los Angeles Communities
Though the office sits in Burbank near Warner Bros. Studios and the Magnolia Park district, the firm's theft defense work reaches clients throughout the region. Areas served include Toluca Woods, Studio City, North Hollywood and the NoHo Arts District, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, and the neighborhoods around Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills. Communities closer to Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, Larchmont, and Windsor Square fall within its reach as well. This footprint spans landmarks familiar to residents and visitors alike — from the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo to the Glendale Galleria, The Americana at Brand, The Grove, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame — reflecting the everyday settings where retail, vehicle, and property theft accusations tend to arise.
What Sets This Part of the Firm's Work Apart
Several qualities described in the firm's own materials distinguish its handling of theft cases. Simmrin Law Group offers free, no-obligation consultations and maintains around-the-clock phone availability at +1 310-620-1886, so clients facing sudden accusations can reach the firm at any hour. The practice describes an approach that treats clients like family while working to protect their rights and future. Because the firm handles infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies at both the state and federal level, it can represent clients whether a theft allegation is a first-time petty offense or a serious felony robbery charge, drawing on experience across the full range of theft crime cases handled in Burbank and greater Los Angeles County.
Getting here
From Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the closest landmarks, just 1.0 mile and about 5 minutes from Simmrin Law Group. Take N Whitnall Hwy over to W Olive Ave and S Cordova St to reach the office in no time.
Common questions
How much does a shoplifting lawyer cost in CA 91505?
Shoplifting defense fees vary based on whether the case is charged as petty theft or a felony, its complexity, and whether it heads to trial. Some attorneys bill flat fees, others hourly. Simmrin Law Group, based at 3500 W Olive Ave in Burbank, offers free, no-obligation consultations, giving those facing theft charges throughout Los Angeles County a chance to discuss their situation before committing to representation.
Can theft charges be dropped in CA 91505?
Yes, theft charges can sometimes be dropped or reduced when evidence is weak, rights were violated during arrest, or restitution and diversion are negotiated. Outcomes depend heavily on the facts. Simmrin Law Group, a Burbank criminal defense firm handling theft crimes across communities like Glendale, Studio City, and Hollywood, works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and pursue the most favorable resolution available.
What is the new law for stealing in California?
California's Proposition 47, passed in 2014, generally treats theft of property valued at $950 or less as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, though laws continue to evolve. Understanding how current statutes apply to a specific case matters greatly. Simmrin Law Group, serving Burbank and greater Los Angeles from its West Olive Avenue office, handles theft crimes and can explain how present law affects individual charges.
What amount of theft is considered a felony in California?
In California, theft of property valued above $950 is generally chargeable as grand theft, which can be prosecuted as a felony, while amounts at or below $950 are typically petty theft. Certain items and circumstances change this. Simmrin Law Group, a criminal defense firm in Burbank's Magnolia Park area, represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony theft charges across Los Angeles County.
What is the best defense for shoplifting in CA 91505?
Effective shoplifting defenses may include lack of intent to steal, mistaken identity, unlawful search, or a genuine misunderstanding at checkout. The strongest strategy depends entirely on the specific facts. Simmrin Law Group, based near Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, reviews the evidence in each theft case and builds a tailored defense, guiding clients through the Southern California courts from arrest through resolution.
Is it better to hire a lawyer or attorney in CA 91505?
The terms lawyer and attorney are used interchangeably in the United States, so there is no practical difference in whom you hire, only in the individual's experience with cases like yours. For criminal matters, choosing counsel familiar with local courts matters. Simmrin Law Group, led by attorney Michael "Mike" Simmrin in Burbank, focuses on criminal defense throughout Los Angeles County, from DUI to theft and violent offenses.
How to get theft charges dismissed in CA 91505?
Theft charges may be dismissed through pretrial motions challenging evidence, completion of diversion programs, restitution agreements, or negotiations that expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Each path depends on the specifics. Simmrin Law Group, a Burbank criminal defense firm serving areas like Toluca Woods, North Hollywood, and Glendale, examines every detail of a theft case and pursues dismissal or reduction wherever the facts allow.