Burbank Criminal Defense Lawyer

An arrest or formal charge in Burbank puts your freedom, record, and livelihood at immediate risk.

California prosecutors aggressively enforce misdemeanor and felony statutes, so early representation is essential to protect your constitutional rights, challenge police evidence, and pursue charge reductions or full dismissals. 

Eisner Gorin LLP provides targeted defense strategies informed by extensive courtroom experience in Los Angeles County.

Burbank Courthouse Information

Most local criminal proceedings, initial arraignments, and misdemeanor offenses are processed through the local division of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Burbank Courthouse

• Address: 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502

• Phone: (818) 557-3466

• Jurisdiction & Cases Handled: Traffic infractions, misdemeanor crimes, DUI arraignments, and preliminary hearings. Complex or high-level felony cases may be reassigned to central Los Angeles County branch courts depending on judicial assignment.

Criminal Charges Defended in Burbank

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): First-time DUI, repeat offenses, felony DUI involving injury, and drug-related driving charges.

• Domestic Violence Allegations: Comprehensive defense against California Penal Code (PC) 273.5 (corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant), PC 243(e)(1) (domestic battery), PC 422 (criminal threats), and PC 273a (child endangerment). Prosecutors can proceed independently even if the alleged victim requests to drop charges.

• Theft & White-Collar Crimes: Petty theft, grand theft, shoplifting, commercial burglary, identity theft, fraud, and embezzlement.

• Drug Offenses: Simple possession, possession for sale, narcotics transportation, and prescription fraud under the California Health and Safety Code.

• Violent Crimes & Sex Offenses: Simple assault, aggravated battery, robbery, sexual battery, and internet-based offenses.

The Burbank Criminal Court Process

• 1. Arrest & Booking: Initial detention, administrative processing, fingerprinting, and intake at the local law enforcement facility.

• 2. Bail Assessment: Determination of release on own recognizance (OR), scheduled cash bail, or formal bail reduction hearings.

• 3. Arraignment: The formal reading of charges in the Burbank Courthouse and entry of a plea.

• 4. Pretrial Proceedings & Discovery: Defense-led investigations, evidentiary discovery review, constitutional suppression motions, and prosecutor negotiations.

• 5. Trial or Resolution: Case dismissal, statutory diversion, negotiated settlement, or a jury trial.

Legal Defense Strategies

• Constitutional Violations: Suppressing illegally obtained evidence resulting from unlawful traffic stops or Fourth Amendment search and seizure violations.

• Evidentiary Deficiencies: Highlighting a lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, compromised chain of custody, or flawed forensic analysis.

• False Accusations & Identity Errors: Establishing verifiable alibis, exposing witness bias, or proving mistaken identity.

• Pre-Filing Intervention: Submitting defense-gathered exculpatory evidence directly to prosecutors prior to arraignment to secure a formal charge rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which court handles Burbank criminal cases?

The Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, handles arraignments, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors originating within Burbank, while select felony matters may be transferred to central Los Angeles County courthouses.

Do I need a private criminal defense lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Yes. A misdemeanor conviction under California law can carry up to 364 days in county jail, substantial fines, mandatory probation, driver's license suspension, and a lasting public record.

Can criminal charges in Burbank be dismissed before trial?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed if the defense establishes constitutional violations, exposes critical evidentiary flaws, or secures placement in a pre-trial diversion program.

What steps should I take immediately after an arrest in Burbank?

Invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, decline to answer investigative questions without an attorney present, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Will I have to appear in court for every hearing?

Under California Penal Code Section 977(a), your private defense attorney can make appearances on your behalf for most misdemeanor proceedings, eliminating the need for you to personally attend court unless specifically ordered by the judge.

What options exist for a first-time criminal offense in California?

First-time offenders often qualify for pre-trial diversion programs, civil compromises, deferred entry of judgment, or alternative sentencing that prevents jail time and keeps the conviction off your record.

Contact a Burbank Defense Attorney

Eisner Gorin LLP defends individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Burbank and the greater Los Angeles area. Call (818) 781-1570 to schedule a strategic legal consultation.