Michael Brian Hanzel

PRO

Michael Brian Hanzel

also known as Mike Hanzel

5.0
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 20 years

Military law Lawyer at Mount Pleasant, SC
Practice Areas: Military Law, Criminal Defense, Sex Crime ... +2 more

3003 Dunes West Blvd., Suite 10, Mount Pleasant, SC

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Military Law 50%

21 years | 350 cases

50%
Criminal Defense 20%

21 years | 350 cases

20%
Sex Crime 18%

Has vast experience as a military prosecutor and defense attorney litigating sexual assault cases. As a defense attorney, has won acquittals in every contested sexual assault case, including many full acquittals.

20 years | 42 cases

18%
Appeals 10%

12 years | 25 cases

10%
DUI and DWI 2%

18 years | 3 cases

2%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in South Carolina for 8 years

State: South Carolina

Acquired: 2017

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 20 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2005

Associate

No misconduct found

Location

The Hanzel Law Firm

3003 Dunes West Blvd., Suite 10, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29466

hanzellawfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael Brian Hanzel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews

Posted by Robert | March 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

The People You Want Fighting For You!!!!!!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Hanzel responded quickly when guidance was sought in my case. They were very professional and every step of the way they made sure that they had my back and put their best foot forward representing me in my military matter and also getting me the result that I was aiming for. By far best... attorneys out there, hands down. Hire them!!!

Posted by K Patel | December 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!!!

Mr. Hanzel was a force to be reckon with. Watching him work was amazing. He is very thorough, responsive, and detailed. During the course of my separation board proceedings, he was in complete control and prepped me for whatever situation may occur. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need. ...I am so blessed that I chose you! Thank you Mr. Hanzel for your services and dedication to your clients around the world!

Posted by Melissa | June 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Mike and Lauren are the absolute BEST! Do not do what I did and assume the military-appointed lawyers are going to take time to defend you. In my case, I had 2 military lawyers that completely botched my BOI...I was 1 month shy of 19 years in service at the time, had a flawless record (number 1 eve...rywhere), I had a minor UCMJ violation, and the result of the board was 3-0 separate. WHAT?!? That's how bad they screwed it up. So I contacted Mike and Lauren and they jumped on my case. They were very thorough, responsive, and completely in control of my situation. Looking back, I should have not assumed my case was an easy, cut and dry case where the board would retain me...I should have called Mike and Lauren the second I knew I had an investigation on me. We somehow (thanks to Mike and Lauren) were able to salvage my retirement, but not my career. My advice, call or e-mail these guys the second you think you might be in trouble. They will guide you through the entire process and ensure you get the best possible outcome. I would never have been able to do what they did by myself or with any military-appointed lawyer, so do not hesitate to contact them! They truly are the best in the business and I can't thank them enough for everything they did for me!

Posted by Kianna | March 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Amazing people and lawyers!

I was on deployment and went to mast and got busted down. With the help of Michael and Lauren Hanzel I was able to get my rank and everything that was taken from me back. They were super flexible with my schedule and up front about everything going on. I was able to do most of it through email due to... my situation, and even with that they managed to successfully work my case. I am so greatful I took the time and found the Hanzel Lawfirm for my case, I would recommend them anytime!

Posted by Danny | July 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Best in the business

Mike and Lauren Hanzel represented me at an Art32(won) and a Admin separation board (won). In the world full of politics and the military more concerned about politics than the truth they stepped in to defend me. The are true experts at their craft. A true power couple who compliment each other in ev...ery way. After almost 20 years in the Military and dealing with numerous defense attorneys and Military lawyers as a leader. I can say without a doubt these two have the knowledge, answers,and experience to get you through your tough situation. False allegations are on the rise against those of us in the military. You will learn fast regardless of how great of a person you are. That once the allegation is made. Your command will turn their back on you. Mike and Lauren exposed all the lies and the truth prevailed. I will be forever in their debt. I can continue to serve on my terms and my 2 million Dollars in retirement benefits are safe.

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Michael Brian Hanzel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Steven Marshall Griffin Jr. headshot
Steven Griffin

Military law lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked for Mike when he was Senior Defense Counsel at the U.S. Navy Defense Service Office, Southeast and learned so much from him then, and continue to learn from him today. Mike is a skilled trial tactician with impeccable ethics who works hard for his clients."

Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth headshot
Jeffrey Liebenguth

Military law lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike and I served together as appellate defense counsel when he was in the Navy and I was in the Marine Corps. He is one of the finest writers I have come across in my years of practicing military law and his integrity and devotion to his clients is beyond question. Intelligent and laser-focused, Mike has all the legal skills one would want if you're facing an adverse military justice matter. Whether UCMJ action is being taken against you at the administrative, trial, or appellate level, rest assured that Mike can bring the case to the best possible resolution. His litigation skills are stellar, his legal acumen is exceptional, and he has a reputation for success--qualities you need in a defense attorney. He has my highest possible endorsement to anyone in need of legal representation for a military law matter. Mike is an attorney that will fight for your rights!"

Robert C Singer headshot
Robert Singer

Military law lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike has extensive experience in military justice and criminal matters. He is not afraid to try a case, is a persuasive attorney in court, and leaves no stone unturned for all clients. He is a defense specialist who gets results."

Matthew T. Smith headshot
Matthew Smith

Military law lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked together on a case with Mike Hanzel in 2016. Due to his prior experience as an appellate defense attorney, Mike has the ability to recognize legal issues better than most. In doing so, he was able to paint the prosecutors into corners before trial and then reap the rewards of doing so through his zealous representation once we made it into the courtroom. If any of my friends in the military found themselves accused of a crime, I would not hesitate in recommending Mike to them."

Patrick Kane Korody headshot
Patrick Korody

Military law lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mike Hanzel is an extremely talented litigator who has fought in military courtrooms around the world for his clients, achieving superior results. He has the knowledge and skills to handle the most complex military cases. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a military law attorney."

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Jeffrey Raymond Liebenguth headshot
Jeffrey Liebenguth

Military law lawyer

Matthew T. Smith headshot
Matthew Smith

Military law lawyer

Mark Aaron Kaiman headshot
Mark Kaiman

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Ryan Ellis headshot
Michael Ellis

Military law lawyer

Patrick Kane Korody headshot
Patrick Korody

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Certified Military Justice Litigation Specialist, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Court Appointed Defense Attorney, 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

2017 - Present

Managing Partner, The Hanzel Law Firm

2017 - Present

Defense Attorney, U.S. Navy Reserves

2014 - 2017

Senior Defense Counsel, Navy Defense Service Office Southeast, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2011 - 2014

Senior Defense Counsel, Navy Defense Service Office Northwest, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2010 - 2011

Adjunct Professor, U.S. Naval Academy

2009 - 2011

Appellate Defense Counsel, Washington D.C., U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2009 - 2010

Law Clerk, NMCCA, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2008 - 2009

Mock Trial Instructor, DoD School, Bahrain, Department Of Defense

2008 - 2009

Prosecutor and SJA, Bahrain, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2006 - 2008

Legal Assistance and Defense Attorney, Charleston, SC, U.S. Navy Jag Corps

2004 - 2004

Extern, U.S. Army Jag Corps

2003 - 2005

Extern, The Irvin Law Firm

2001 - 2001

Volunteer, Richmond Legal Aid

2000 - 2000

Legislative Assistant, London, British Parliament

1996 - 1996

Special Assistant, Virginia Governor's Office

1994 - 1994

Communications, Virginia Attorney General's Office

Education

2005

University of Virginia School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

University of Virginia

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Virginia State Bar Association CLE Conference

Sexual Assault in the Military

2016

Naval Justice School Paralegal Course

Defense Team Integration

2016

Defense Counsel Training

Sentencing in Sex Offense Cases

2016

Basic Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy

Publications

2000

Criminal Justice & Court Services Act of 2000 United Kingdom's anti child sex offender laws

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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