Michael Ralph Bruggeman

I have known Mike for many years. He is not only a pillar in the Orange County legal community, but is also one of the most dedicated, intelligent, and client-focused attorneys I have ever met. Mike is committed to staying in the forefront of his industry, keeping himself abreast of changes in the la...w. He is compassionate, yet fierce, and works tirelessly to ensure his clients' best interests are furthered. I recommend him with the highest of confidence.

I am a civil lawyer, hired Mike for family member. Good results at a reasonable price. I have seen him in court. PROS: Good, smart, criminal lawyer, well-liked by judges and prosecutors, which is important since 95% of cases are plea bargained at some point. You may be innocent, but after 6 month...s of being bullied by prosecutors you may be glad when Mike negotiates you summary probation for misdemeanor disturbing the peace instead of rolling the dice on an assault charge and years in prison. That's not his fault, the system sucks, innocent people plead guilty all the time to minor charges to avoid the cost of trial and the risk of prison. FEES: Criminal lawyers are often stiffed for fees, so they ALL are insistent about payment up front, or else they go broke. Mike's fees are competitive, but all successful criminal lawyers insist on payment up front. CALLBACK: Clients get very frustrated when their lawyer doesn't call them back. But good lawyers spend their time in court, and they don't have time to answer your phone calls asking a million questions two weeks before YOUR court date. When a lawyer is in court defending you from 10 years in prison, you want him 100% focused on your case. While he is fighting for your life he may have 200 messages from other clients on his desk or answering machine. When it us YOUR turn in court, do you want Mike to take time off from fighting for your life to answer non-urgent questions from other clients? CONS: Mike is a sole practitioner, not a huge law firm. If you have a huge complicated case, or you want someone to talk to, hire a big law firm BY THE HOUR and they will be happy to talk to you all day long for $500 an hour, paid in advance. Mike knows the law, knows the prosecutors and judges, and is there for you when it counts, when you are going to trial or negotiating a plea.

Michael Bruggeman was an excellent lawyer. He was recommended to me by a family member that was also very pleased with his work. He was very reliable and was there to answer any question I had and took the time to make sure I understood every aspect of my case and all the options available. I feel co...nfident that he did everything he could to give me the best possible outcome. We have already recommended him to another friend that he was able to help as well. If I ever had another problem or needed any type of legal counsel, he would be the first person I would call.