Los Angeles Burglary and Robbery Attorney

Burglary and robbery charges in California carry harsh penalties, and Los Angeles County prosecutes them aggressively. A conviction on a single charge can cost you years of freedom, along with your job prospects, your reputation, and your relationships. The best way to reduce your chances of facing the harshest consequences is to have the right defense attorney from Alimouri & Alimouri on your side.

With extensive experience in criminal court, Damon Alimouri is known for bringing skilled, robust defense strategies to clients facing burglary and robbery crime charges. He approaches every state and federal case, whether it involves a misdemeanor or a major felony, with the same dedication he would extend to his own family. Through a proven track record of reduced sentences, dismissed charges, and not-guilty verdicts, Mr. Alimouri knows how to keep his clients’ records clean and their freedom secured.

If you’re searching for a Los Angeles burglary lawyer who can fight aggressively for your future, contact Alimouri & Alimouri today for your fully confidential consultation.

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Damon Alimouri

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Why Choose Alimouri & Alimouri If You Are Accused of Burglary or Robbery?

Mr. Alimouri has earned a reputation across Southern California courtrooms for skilled and determined advocacy. Local judges and prosecutors alike hold him in high regard. Mr. Alimouri has secured favorable verdicts in some of the highest-stakes cases imaginable. He brings the same driven approach to every burglary and robbery matter that comes through our firm’s doors.

As a family-run firm, Mr. Alimouri and co-counsel Kate Alimouri know how much is at risk when clients face criminal charges. They treat every case with the care they would give their own family. We also understand that urgent questions can come up at any time, so our staff is available 24/7 to help you.

Our firm utilizes a special team of private investigators and field experts who can dig into the evidence, track down witnesses, and preserve critical proof before it disappears. Because we know a conviction doesn’t always mark the end, we handle one of the hardest stages of any criminal case: the post-conviction matters, such as appeals.

Clients appreciate our team’s thorough preparation, clear communication, and real commitment to fighting for them. Here’s what one former client said about working with us:

“One of the best attorneys in Southern California hands down. Passionate, professional, and not afraid of a fight if required. He’s experienced, knows what he is doing, and communicates the information a client needs to know in order to make the best decision possible. If you are looking for a criminal attorney, you won’t be disappointed.”

– James

Reach out to Alimouri & Alimouri today for your fully confidential case evaluation with a Los Angeles robbery lawyer.

How Does California Define What Burglary and Robbery Are?

Many people use the terms “burglary” and “robbery” interchangeably, but California treats them as distinct crimes. Burglary, under the California Penal Code, involves entering a structure, such as a home, business, or vehicle, with the intent to commit theft or a felony once inside. The entry itself establishes the crime, even if the intruder never takes anything or even gets past the doorway.

Robbery, by contrast, involves taking property directly from another person or their immediate presence through force or fear and without consent. In this context, taking something “through force or fear” means using physical violence to take the item or intimidating someone with threats, weapons, or aggressive behavior such that they surrender the item out of fear for their safety.

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5-STAR REVIEWS FROM SATISFIED CLIENTS

“Damon Alimouri fought tirelessly for my case. It was an emotionally exhausting case with too many complexities involved but his strategic thinking and bold advocacy helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”

— D.M.

“Kate and Damon are a dream team! They helped navigate a felony case for my brother and they got it completely dismissed. … They are super honest and transparent but more importantly, on your side no matter what.”

— J.G.

“In an industry where trust is everything, Damon has the kind of character that immediately inspires confidence. Based on my experience getting to know him, he is exactly the type of attorney I would feel comfortable hiring and recommending to others.”

— C.G.

“Damon, I cannot begin to express how deeply grateful I am for everything you have done for my son and our family. Having his attempted murder charge dismissed was nothing short of life-changing, and I know that it would not have been possible without your dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of justice.”

— M.H.

What Are the Types of Burglary and Robbery Crimes in California?

State prosecutors charge burglary and robbery crimes at varying degrees of severity depending on factors like the location, whether a weapon was used, and whether anyone got hurt. They are as follows:

First-Degree Robbery in a Residence (CPC § 212.5(a)) – Taking property by force or fear from someone inside an inhabited home or its attached structures
First-Degree Robbery at an ATM (CPC § 212.5(b)) – Robbing a person at or near an automated teller machine, or immediately after they’ve used one
Second-Degree Robbery (CPC § 213(a)(2)) – Any robbery that doesn’t qualify as a first-degree robbery, meaning it didn’t involve an inhabited residence, an ATM, or a transit passenger
Carjacking (CPC § 215(a)) – Taking a vehicle from someone else through force or fear
Attempted Robbery (CPC § 213(b)) – Attempting to commit robbery without successfully doing so
First-Degree Burglary in a Residence (CPC § 459) – Also called burglary of habitation, this offense involves entering an inhabited dwelling with intent to commit theft or another felony
Second-Degree Burglary in a Commercial Establishment or Automobile (CPC § 459) – This offense involves burglary of a building or entering a vehicle with felonious intent

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What Are Common Types of Federal Burglaries and Robberies?

Some robbery and burglary charges in California can end up in federal court rather than state court if they involve federally insured institutions or federal property. They include the following:

Bank Robbery (18 US Code § 2113) – Taking money or property by force, violence, or intimidation from a bank, credit union, or other federally insured institution
Controlled Substances Robbery (18 US Code § 2118) – Robbing a person or entity registered to possess controlled substances, such as a pharmacy
Burglary of Federal Property (18 US Code §§ 2111-2119) – Entering federal buildings, vessels, or other federal property with intent to commit theft or another offense

Federal cases are handled differently than state cases and often have tougher sentencing rules. If you are facing federal robbery or burglary charges, you need a defense team that knows both state and federal courts.

What Must the State Prove to Secure Conviction for a Burglary or Robbery?

Prosecutors have to prove every part of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt in burglary or robbery cases. This means the state must show evidence that convinces a fair juror there is no reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.

For burglary, that requires proving unlawful entry paired with felonious intent at the moment of entry. For robbery, it means showing that the defendant took property from another person’s immediate presence through force or fear.

A conviction will not stand unless the prosecution proves every part of the charge to that high standard. If there are weaknesses in the case, your defense lawyer can argue for a not-guilty verdict, a dismissal, or a reduced charge.

Where Are Burglary and Robbery Cases Heard in Los Angeles and Southern California?

Which court hears your case will vary depending on the charges and the jurisdiction involved.

State burglary and robbery cases originating in Los Angeles County are handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court system and assigned to regional trial courthouses. For example, crime matters in downtown Los Angeles are heard at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, which is located downtown. Burglary and robbery incidents in Torrance typically go through Torrance Superior Court, cases originating in Long Beach go to Long Beach Superior Court, Norwalk matters are heard at Norwalk Superior Court, and so on. Defendants who wish to appeal a state conviction must bring their cases before the Supreme Court of California.

Federal cases typically proceed through the First Street United States Courthouse or the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse. Federal appeals go before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

The team at Alimouri & Alimouri has extensive trial experience in all of these courts.

What Are Common Burglary and Robbery Defense Strategies?

A good defense lawyer will look at every detail of the case and consider all sides before choosing a defense strategy. At Alimouri & Alimouri, we often use the following common and effective defenses:

Lack of Intent Upon Entry – Arguing that the defendant entered the structure without any plan to commit theft or another felony
Consent or Claim of Right – Showing that the defendant had permission to enter or a good-faith belief in a right to the property
Intoxication – Demonstrating that intoxication prevented the defendant from forming the specific intent the charge requires
Lack of Force or Fear – Challenging a robbery charge by showing that no force or fear was involved in the taking of any property
Mistaken Identity/False Accusations – Presenting alibi evidence, surveillance footage, or witness testimony that undermines the identification
Alibi – Establishing that the defendant was somewhere else entirely when the crime occurred

What Are the Penalties for Burglary or Robbery Convictions in California?

Penalties for burglary in California vary based on the degree of the charge and the defendant’s criminal history. First-degree burglary, a felony, can be punishable by two, four, or six years in state prison. Second-degree burglary can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with felony convictions punishable by up to three years in jail. For burglary of habitation, jail time is more likely to involve long sentences because another person was inside the home during the offense.

Robbery convictions also have serious consequences. First-degree robbery can mean three to nine years in state prison, and second-degree robbery can mean two, three, or five years. Federal convictions can lead to decades in prison, especially if a weapon or injury was involved.

How Can You Protect Your Rights After Being Arrested for an Alleged Burglary or Robbery in Los Angeles?

The choices you make immediately after an arrest can shape the trajectory of your entire case. You should do the following if you’ve been arrested on suspicion of burglary or robbery:

Stay calm and comply with the physical instructions of law enforcement.
Invoke your right to remain silent.
Request a Los Angeles robbery attorney from Alimouri & Alimouri as soon as possible.
Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer.
Don’t post about your arrest or case on social media.
Don’t sign any statements or documents without legal counsel present.
Write down everything you remember about the arrest as soon as possible.

Contact a Los Angeles Burglary and Robbery Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing burglary or robbery charges in Southern California, do not wait to get help. Contact Alimouri & Alimouri today for a confidential consultation with a trusted Los Angeles burglary attorney.

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Burglary and Robbery Attorney in Los Angeles, CA