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Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Former JAG Providing Legal Counsel to Service Members Worldwide

If you are facing criminal charges for sexual assault, drugs, domestic violence, assault and battery, larceny or fraud, DUI, murder or any other crime, retaining the services of experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel as soon as possible is vital. As an attorney experienced in military justice, administrative and criminal law, The Hanzel Law Firm can provide you with the representation you need to get the best result possible in your case.

What is JAG?

JAG stands for "Judge Advocate General," and it refers to the legal branch of the United States military. The Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps) is responsible for providing legal services within the military, including legal assistance, prosecution, and defense services. 

The JAG Corps plays a vital role in maintaining discipline and order within the military, ensuring that legal standards are upheld, and providing support to service members and their families in various legal matters. The specific responsibilities and roles of JAG officers may vary depending on their branch of service and the nature of the legal challenges they encounter.

Understanding Your Rights as a Service Member

As a member of the military, it's important to understand your rights when facing criminal charges. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) outlines the legal framework for military criminal law and provides specific rights and protections for service members. Our experienced former JAG officer at The Hanzel Law Firm is dedicated to ensuring that your rights are upheld and that you receive a fair trial.

Some key rights under the UCMJ include:

  • The right to legal representation
  • The right to remain silent
  • The right to a speedy trial
  • The right to confront witnesses
  • The right to appeal a conviction

It's important to have a knowledgeable and dedicated military criminal defense lawyer on your side to navigate the complexities of military law and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

To service members worldwide who need help defending themselves:

Michael B. Hanzel is a military veteran and understands how important your reputation and career are to you. As a former JAG, Michael B. Hanzel has a unique understanding of how the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the military justice system work. To those seeking help with UCMJ matters, whether you are stationed in Virginia, Washington, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Italy, England, Germany, South Carolina, Hawaii or anywhere else around the globe, he is standing by to fight for your rights and will not hesitate to travel to you if your case requires it.


Contact The Hanzel Law Firm online or call (843) 202-4714 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Mt. Pleasant military criminal defense lawyer serving military members all over the world.

Client Reviews

Committed to Each & Every Case
  • This is the firm to choose to defend your clinical privileges and reputation

    “I became embroiled in a clinical adverse action with DHA and retained the Hanzel Law Firm to assist me in restoring my hard-earned reputation. Mike, Lauren, and Marshal all had involvement and provided excellent advice as well as were instrumental in dismantling the DHA case at the hearing and securing and restoring my medical privileges and reputation. Through the morass of a changing and unresponsive administrative environment from DHA, they were there for me all the way. In the increasingly hostile clinical arena of DHA, this is the firm to choose to defend your clinical privileges and reputation.”

  • Outstanding work on my case

    My Administrative Separation Case was assigned to Michael Hanzel. I feel compelled to write this review to for two reasons. First is out of appreciation of his outstanding work on my case resulting in retention and a no basis deliberation. Secondly to keep other service members from falling victim to other subpar civilians doing military defense, l which I had experienced from an attorney I hired before him.

    Mike contacted me to discuss the case and was very patient while hearing the account as told from my point of view. He had me send him all the documents and evidence I had in my case. After reviewing the government's argument, he gave me the plan for defense which I noticed was very well articulated and organized. During the board he presented very logical and thought-out counter arguments to the government's case. He was very articulate and didn't allow the recorder to manipulate the board with emotional arguments and lead them away from making a decision based solely on an emotional response.

    I cannot thank Mike enough, he facilitated a victory that allows me to be retained, retire and keep my benefits and in doing so ended a 5-year legal battle with the government. He is very much worth retaining based on the stellar job I observed him perform. If you are a service member in need, contact him for the sake of giving yourself the best chances you can have in defending yourself. I wish him the best, again no words can convey how much I appreciate the job he did and the impact that has left on my life.

Accomplished Former JAG Officer Serving Our Military Worldwide

CommiTted to Fighting for Justice

Attorney Michael B. Hanzel is an experienced military criminal defense lawyer in Mt. Pleasant who has honed his craft through his dedication and determination. With more than a decade of experience in the military justice system, he provides clients all over the world with focused, zealous, and ethical representation. Michael B. Hanzel is committed to protecting the Constitutional rights of his clients and has a proven track record of successful results.

  • Zealous & Ethical Legal Advocacy
    After serving on active duty, Attorney Michael Hanzel has since devoted himself to standing up for fellow servicemembers.
  • Fighting for Your Constitutional Rights
    As JAG, Attorney Michael Hanzel swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. He will protect your rights and fighting for your freedom.
  • Know the Criminal Justice System Inside & Out
    Our attorneys have seen the best and worst of our justice system. They will do what it takes to navigate you through its complexities.
  • Proven Track Record as US Navy JAG
    With over a decade of experience in the military justice system, Attorney Michael Hazel has achieved outstanding results for our clients.

We're On Your Side

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