The Hanzel Law Firm Washington, DC
 Fighting to Protect Your Rights, Career & Future

Military Defense Attorneys in Washington, D.C.

Compassionate Legal Guidance and Uncompromising Representation

Being accused of a military crime can threaten your career, your reputation, and even your freedom. Depending on the nature of the accusations against you, you may be facing any number of severe, life-altering penalties. At The Hanzel Law Firm, we understand how overwhelmed you may feel when someone accuses you of a crime. Our Washington, D.C. military defense attorneys can help you understand your options and devise a plan of legal action tailored to your unique situation. We look carefully at all of the details and facts of your case in order to build the strongest defense possible on your behalf.

Schedule a free initial consultation with our firm today by calling us at (843) 202-4714 to learn more.

What to Expect When You’re Facing a Court-Martial or Military Investigation

When your career, benefits, and freedom are on the line, uncertainty can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. Whether you’ve been contacted by investigators, received paperwork from your command, or suspect an accusation may be coming, understanding the typical path of a military case can help you make smarter decisions early—and avoid mistakes that can be hard to undo later.

Common Stages of a Military Case

  • Initial allegation or report: You may hear about an accusation informally, through your chain of command, or via official notice.
  • Investigation phase: Cases often involve CID, NCIS, OSI, or command-directed inquiries. Statements, digital evidence, and witness interviews can shape the case before charges are ever filed.
  • Preferral and referral of charges: If charges move forward, the forum (summary, special, or general court-martial) and potential exposure become clearer.
  • Pretrial motions and negotiations: A strong defense may involve suppressing improper evidence, challenging procedure, or pursuing favorable resolutions.
  • Trial and sentencing (if applicable): Court-martial outcomes can impact rank, confinement, discharge characterization, and future civilian opportunities.

How Early Legal Counsel Can Protect You

Early representation can be critical—especially before you provide a statement or consent to a search. The decisions made in the first days of an investigation can influence the evidence, the narrative, and the options available later. Working with an attorney early can help you:

  • Prepare for interviews and avoid self-incrimination
  • Evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence
  • Identify procedural errors or unlawful searches
  • Develop a defense strategy tailored to your goals (career preservation, minimizing exposure, or full litigation)
  • Plan for collateral consequences like security clearance issues and administrative actions

If you’re facing military legal trouble in Washington, D.C., taking control starts with knowing what comes next—and having a clear plan before the case gains momentum.

Why Choose The Hanzel Law Firm?

When it comes to your defense, you want to know that you have an experienced legal team on your side. At The Hanzel Law Firm, we have spent years fighting for the rights of the accused and have helped countless servicemembers across the nation facing serious accusations ranging from military sexual offenses to drug possession, military officer misconduct, and more.

Our Washington, D.C. military defense attorneys help military personnel facing a variety of criminal charges, including:

We take the time to sit down with you to discuss the details of your case and work to understand your unique goals. Whether you are interested in pursuing an appeal of an unjust judgment, wish to file a complaint, or need assistance fighting against a criminal military accusation, our firm is prepared to fight for you.

A History of Dedicated Defense in D.C.

One of our firm’s founding attorneys, Michael B. Hanzel, previously served as an appellate defense attorney in Washington, D.C. While there, he successfully won a high-profile case at the Court of Appeals on behalf of a U.S. Marine. The case, which dealt with the military’s criminalization of bona fide suicide attempts, helped to draw attention to this criminalization policy during a period when active duty and veteran suicide attempts were at an all-time high. The case was instrumental in causing the Department of Defense to order a review of its suicide policies.

Contact Our Team Today

No matter how complex or difficult your situation, The Hanzel Law Firm can provide you with the sound legal counsel and skilled representation you need. Our Washington, D.C. military defense lawyers aggressively advocate for the rights of the accused, working toward optimal results on your behalf. Our team can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your future.

In Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area, we represent military personnel serving at the following installations: Ft. McNair, The Washington Navy Yard, The Pentagon, Joint Base Ft. Myers-Henderson Hall, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, U.S. Naval Observatory, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Marine Barracks, and others.

Reach out to The Hanzel Law Firm at (843) 202-4714 to get started with a complimentary, confidential case evaluation today.

Our Values

What Our work means

  • 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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Real People. Real Reviews

Hear From Our Past Clients

    “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.
    Former Client
    “He saved my family and there is no price you can put on that.”
    “His ability to cut straight to the heart of the matter makes him an incredible force in the courtroom and got me an acquittal in less than an hour of jury deliberation.”
    Paul L.
    “He was professional, meticulous, and thorough at his job.”
    “When I was found not guilty I knew it was because of the hard work and dedication that Mr. Hanzel and his team did that made it happen.”
    Benjamin
    “Mike Hanzel is a fair, honest and caring man, traits you don't find in many lawyers. YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG!”
    “If you are looking for a lawyer who will research every aspect of history and find away to relate it to your case, then Mike Hanzel is the one for you.”
    Thomas
    “Mr. Hanzel is one of the very few attorneys that does it for all the right reasons.”
    “He has a real passion for law, but more importantly, a personal drive for the truth to be told, heard, and acted upon. Mr. Hanzel is one of the very few attorneys that does it for all the right reasons.”
    Martin
    “Mike is a true expert at this craft.”
    “Mike exposed all the lies and the truth prevailed. I will be forever in their debt.”
    Danny
    “Amazing Person and Lawyer”
    “He was super flexible with my schedule and upfront about everything going on. I was able to do most of it through email due to my situation, and even with that he managed to successfully work my case.”
    Kianna
    “We are eternally grateful.”
    “My son has been completely cleared to proceed with his career in the Navy and honorably serve his country as he set out to do, and is doing exceptionally well. Thank you, Mike!”
    Bill