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Michael Paul Bruckheim
About Michael
Biography
I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1989. I attended Brandeis University where I graduated cum laude with a B.A. in economics in 1993. I received my juris doctor from the American University Washington College of Law in 1996. While in law school, I was a member of the Law Review and the Moot Court Executive Board. In my third year, I participated in the Criminal Justice Clinic, and had the opportunity to represent clients in criminal matters in the Montgomery County District and Circuit Courts. I also spent a semester prosecuting criminal matters as a Rule 16 student in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County.
Prior to opening my law office in April, 2010, I enjoyed a diverse career litigating in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) for over 11 years. I began my OAG career as a prosecutor in the Criminal Section where I conducted numerous bench and jury trials in traffic and criminal misdemeanor matters. Later in my OAG career, I served as Chief of the Criminal Section where I supervised the prosecution of DUI offenses in the District, and directed a staff of over 20 attorneys. I was responsible for formulating office policy for the prosecution of DUIs, as well as all traffic and criminal offenses under OAG’s jurisdiction.
I have successfully completed a variety of intensive trainings that has him uniquely prepared to attack the prosecution of every type of DUI case. I am trained to administer field sobriety tests according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standards, and also trained as a NHTSA field sobriety test Instructor. I’ve completed trainings in Forensic Chromatography, which is the process used to analyze blood and urine samples in DUI and drug cases. I have been trained in the use of and weaknesses of the Intoximeter EC/IR II, which is the breath testing machine used in the District of Columbia and Maryland. I have been trained in Drug Recognition, which is the same training officers have taken for purposes of prosecuting DUI-drug cases. I am one of a small number of DUI lawyers in America to be named a Forensic Drug and Alcohol Lawyer Specialist by the American Chemical Society.
I also spent several years practicing in OAG’s Civil Division where I represented the District of Columbia in all phases of litigation in a variety of subjects, including employment discrimination, failure to accommodate disabilities, police misconduct, and personal injury. I gained additional experience in the Personnel, Labor & Employment Division where I represented the District’s interests in all employment-related matters, including workers’ compensation, disciplinary actions, and discrimination complaints. During my tenure at OAG, I also served as the Attorney/Advisor in the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights. I reviewed hundreds of cases alleging disparate treatment, hostile work environment, retaliation, failure to accommodate disabilities, and violations of the District of Columbia Family and Medical Leave Act.
I am a trained mediator and arbitrator, and I have successfully mediated several employment discrimination claims. I am an Adjunct Professor of Law in the Trial Advocacy Program at the American University Washington College of Law. Since 2008, I have taught courses in Evidentiary Foundations and Objections, Evidence, and Pre-Trial Civil Litigation. I served as an Adjunct Faculty Coach for the American University Mock Trial Honor Society where I coached teams of law students in trial advocacy competitions.
I have several publications to my credit. I have written a book entitled "Facing a DUI Charge in DC." I also have contributed chapters for two publications from Aspatore Publishing: Trends in DUI Discovery and Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings. I also edited the Criminal Traffic Offenses chapter in the 2014 Edition of the District of Columbia Practice Manual.
I am admitted to the Bars of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and the United States District Courts for the District of Columbia and Maryland. I am a member of the National College of DUI Defense where I am serving as the District of Columbia Delegate. I am a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. I also am a member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, the District of Columbia Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and being with my family.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
13 years
Criminal Defense
30%
13 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 28 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 29 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Bruckheim & Patel-Rockville MD
401 East Jefferson Street, #201b, Rockville, MD, 20850
Bruckheim & Patel-WAshington DC
1100 H Street NW, #830, Washington, DC, 20005
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Michael Paul Bruckheim's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
78 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (57)
Advocacy (43)
Recommendation (37)
Responsiveness (33)
Professionalism (32)
Communication Style (29)
Character & Conduct (26)
General Knowledge (23)
Practice Area Knowledge (23)
Trustworthiness (20)
Compassion (10)
Cost of Services (8)
Free Consultations (4)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (3)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Lawyers are paid for their judgment
Mr. Bruckheim is calm, collected, knowledgeable, reassuring, efficient, effective and, most importantly, his advice is clear and his judgment is dead-on. I had legal difficulties in DC, and it was clear that, from clerks through the judge, everyone knew Mr. Bruckheim and respected him (comments suc...
Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Very Glad I Hired Michael Bruckheim
Needless to say, I was very stressed out when I was arrested for DUI. I didn’t know what to do or who to call. I knew I needed a lawyer but I didn’t have any idea where to start. I got a recommendation from a friend, and I searched on line. I found a couple highly ranked lawyers who appeared t...
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Top DUI Lawyer, Knows the System Inside & Out. Transparent, Professional, and Cost-Effective
Michael was one of two lawyers that I considered when I needed council. Once I informed him about the facts of my case, he was enthusiastic and confident that we had a good chance at a favorable result. He knew the judge arbitrating my case, and was familiar with the whole process and how the case w...
Posted by Matt | November 20, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Great legal representation
I was arrested and charged with my first DUI. I had never been in trouble with the law before and did not know where to turn. I received a postcard from Mr. Bruckheim and did some research to see if I should seek his counsel. I setup a free consultation, and from our first meeting, even though I w...
Michael Paul Bruckheim's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is a great lawyer and a great human! He was my professor at the Washington College of Law many years ago, and since has been a mentor and friend. He zealously advocates for his clients, is aggressive, but civil in the courtroom, and gets amazing results. I highly recommend him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bruckheim is a great attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Michael for nearly twenty years and find him to be a pleasure to work with. His strategic thinking is masterful, he is scrupulously honest, he is always prepared, he is expert at criminal defense, and a client can count on him to deliver quality, competent and zealous representation in every situation. Unlike many criminal defense attorneys, Michael keeps a proper perspective on litigation, which is critical to obtain clients the best results. Your cause will be well served with Michael in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've seen Mr. Bruckheim in action, and he is very thorough."
"Michael is the lawyer other lawyers go to for mentorship on DUI cases. He is quite frankly the best around. Judges respect his opinion on important decisions throughout the case, lawyers value his advise, and clients are lucky to be represented by him. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Based on Mike's excellent experience and knowledge defending in DC, I have called him before to brainstorm on pending DWI cases in there. He has been on the money in his views on practicing in this most unusual of court systems. I recommend his services."
"Excellent lawyer and a great person. Few attorneys in this country devote the time and resources necessary to obtain the legal and scientific knowledge necessary to effectively fight DUI cases like Michael. His expertise and skills are matched only by his compassion for his clients. I recommend him without hesitation."
"I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Bruckheim. He has acted as a mentor and friend since I started taking criminal cases in DC. Mr. Bruckheim used to supervise the prosecutors in the DC Attorney General's office, and now he is using his powers for good :-)."
"I thoroughly endorse Mr. Bruckheim because of his trial preparation skills, the successes he has achieved for his clients, and is outright honesty. A fine litigator and a fierce competitor in the courtroom, Mr. Bruckheim has a unique knack for finding the hidden weaknesses in a DUI/DWI case that other attorneys might miss and then drilling away until he meets his goal......a dismissal for his clients!"
"Mike is an excellent DUI trial lawyer who tries a lot of cases and wins a lot. I highly recommend him."
"From seeing Michael Bruckheim in the courtroom, both battling with him and against him, I heartily endorse his work as a lawyer. He's smart, knows the law, fights like a bulldog, and cares about his clients."
"Mr. Bruckheim and I both do criminal defense and DUI cases in D.C., and I have seen him a number of times in trial. I'll just say this: The man knows how to try a case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bruckheim is well respected by all members of the legal community, judges and prosecutors included. Mr. Bruckheim cares about his clients and he is well versed in the law. When Mr. Bruckheim advocates for his clients Courts listen, and take his arguments seriously. I have watched him in trial and can say that his skills are very sharp. I highly recommend Mr. Bruckheim."
"I endorse Mr. Bruckheim without reservation. He is one of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen. Attorneys go to him for advice. He is trustworthy and gets the best results for his clients."
"Great lawyer all around. Very knowledgeable on the subject of DUI matters. Have worked with Mr. Bruckheim before. Professional, courteous, and efficient."
"Michael Bruckheim is a very knowledgable attorney in the DUI realm. With training in the science as well being a very good lawyer, Mr. Bruckheim is an excellent choice in a DUI case."
"This lawyer is outstanding advocate especially in the field of DUI. When I have questions regarding trial tactics or DUI, DWI or OWI I to go Michael for answers. Great lawyer!!"
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Experience
Honors
2016
Maryland Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
District of Columbia Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Alumni of the Month-June, 2016, American University Washington College of Law
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Forensic Drug and Alcohol Lawyer Specialist, American Chemical Society
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top Attorneys in Washington, DC, Newsweek Magazine
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Partner, Bruckheim & Patel, LLC
2010 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Law Office of Michael Bruckheim, LLC
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member
2010 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseDelegate-District of Columbia
2010 - Present
National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010 - Present
District of Columbia Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association
2010 - Present
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association
Education
1996
American University, Washington College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2020
Grand Jury and Pre-Indictment Issues in Criminal Cases
Grand Jury
2019
Defending a DUI in the District of Columbia
DUI
2016
SALSA Career Advice Boot Camp
"I Want to Start My Own Law Practice"
2016
Alumni Webinar
Notes and Bolts of Defending DUI Cases in Washington, DC
2016
2016 Rites of Spring
Traffic Litigation Issues
2015
Continuing Legal Education
Defending DUIs- Trial Strategy
2014
Continuing Legal Education for DC
Defending Breath Tests in DC DUI Cases
2013
Meeting for DC Superior Court Judges
Discussion of DC's New DUI Law
2013
Continuing Legal Education
Field Sobriety Testing
2013
Continuing Legal Education
Cross Exam in DUI Cases
Publications
2015
Quick Prep
Understanding Changes to DC DUI Laws
2014
District of Columbia Practice Manual-2014 Edition
Criminal Traffic Offenses
2013
Aspatore Book Publication
Facing a DUI Charge in DC
2012
Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings (Inside the Minds)
Dealing with Witnesses During a DUI Case
2012
Trends in DUI Discovery
DUI Discovery: Keeping Pace With the Other Side
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I need a lawyer for a virtual pre-trial for a DUI? This is in DC.
26 Mar 2023
Q&A
Will I have to serve jail time for a first time DUI in DC (BAC was 0.267)?
27 Jan 2023
Q&A
What can I expect for a first offense dui in Maryland??
09 Nov 2019