The Hanzel Law Firm Military Appeals
 Fighting to Protect Your Rights, Career & Future

Mt. Pleasant Military Appeal Lawyers

Appeal Your Conviction and Sentence

Not everyone gets a fair trial, and not every judge or jury reaches the right result in every case. At The Hanzel Law Firm, we understand this because we have seen it happen, and we have successfully appealed convictions.

If you or a loved one served in the U.S. military and was convicted at a General Court-Martial or a Special Court-Martial, we understand how dispiriting that can be. But you need to know that Article 62 and Article 66 of the UCMJ give you rights to appeal the convictions and sentence, and if something happened in that trial that prejudiced you and/or deprived you of the fairness you are entitled to, you may have grounds to appeal. Even if you or a loved one is currently in a military brig or has been sentenced to a punitive discharge, such as a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, you have appellate rights. In fact, sentences carrying a year in jail or higher or a punitive discharge guarantee you the strongest form of appeal under Article 66, UCMJ, in front of your service’s Court of Criminal Appeals in the Washington DC area.

Appellate Experience That Can Make a Difference For You

Attorney Michael Hanzel has substantial experience in military appeals. On active duty, he clerked for judges at the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) in Washington DC and served as an appellate defense attorney at the Navy’s Appellate Defense Division, also in Washington DC, where he established a reputation for identifying strong appellate issues and making impressive arguments to appellate judges.

Can You Appeal a Military Court Martial?

You can appeal a Military Court-Martial. While some Court-Martials are automatically appealed, you can certainly appeal any adverse ruling under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). All of his clients there were service members who had been convicted at a Court-Martial and sentenced to a year or more in a military prison or a punitive discharge.

What Sets Attorney Michael Hanzel Apart:

  • Attorney Michael Hanzel understands the complexities of the military appeals system and has achieved success for his clients at both NMCCA and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF).
  • He helped revitalize Article 10 of the UCMJ (speedy trial) through his trial work on U.S. v. Cooley, which ultimately won at both the Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals (CGCCA) and CAAF.
  • He was named one of the top military justice stories of the year.
  • He has contributed to CAAFLOG, which military justice practitioners go to for the latest military justice updates,
  • He has advised members of the news media about how the military appellate process works, and
  • He has taught junior trial counsel how to raise appellate issues on the record of trial so that they will have the best chance of being successful on appeal.

To learn more, call our military attorneys at (843) 202-4714 today.

What to Expect During a Military Appeal (And How to Strengthen Your Case)

Military appeals can feel confusing because the process is very different from a new trial—most appeals focus on what happened in the record, not on presenting new testimony. Working with an attorney who understands the military justice system can help you identify the strongest issues, meet strict deadlines, and avoid missteps that can limit your options later.

Key Stages of the Appellate Process

  • Record review: We analyze the trial transcript, exhibits, rulings, and motions to find legal errors and preserveable issues.
  • Issue spotting and strategy: Appeals often turn on a few high-impact arguments—such as evidentiary errors, improper instructions, unlawful command influence, or sentencing problems.
  • Briefing: Written briefs are where most appeals are won. We craft clear, persuasive arguments supported by military case law and the applicable standard of review.
  • Oral argument (when granted): If the court schedules argument, we prepare to answer judges’ questions and sharpen the core points of the appeal.
  • Decision and next steps: Depending on the outcome, options can include relief on findings or sentence, a rehearing, or further review.

Documents and Details That Can Help Your Attorney Immediately

If you’re considering an appeal, the sooner you start organizing information, the better. Useful items may include:

  • Any copies you have of charge sheets, Article 32 materials, or pretrial agreements
  • Sentencing evidence (service records, awards, evaluations, character letters)
  • Names of witnesses and a summary of what they testified to (or what they were prevented from saying)
  • Notes about key moments at trial (objections, excluded evidence, panel questions, instructions)
  • Post-trial documents you’ve received, including any convening authority paperwork

Why Timing Matters

Appellate rights in military cases are governed by strict procedural rules. Missing a deadline, failing to raise an issue properly, or waiting too long to seek guidance can reduce your available remedies. Speaking with a Mt. Pleasant military appeal lawyer early can help ensure the case is positioned for the strongest possible review.

Confidential Case Review

The Hanzel Law Firm assists service members and families in Mt. Pleasant, SC and surrounding areas by evaluating trial records, identifying appealable issues, and mapping out realistic goals—whether that’s overturning a conviction, reducing a sentence, or protecting your future opportunities. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn what your next step should be.

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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.

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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