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

Charleston Military Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Get Aggressive Legal Defense for Sexual Offenses in Charleston County

We understand the uniquely high stakes you face if you are accused of a sexual offense. In the military, a political culture of prosecuting nearly all sexual offense allegations and the impact even an uncorroborated allegation can have on servicemembers’ reputations and careers makes these stakes even higher. No one is immune from it, no matter their pay-grade. If you are accused of a sexual offense, you cannot afford to take chances. 

At the Hanzel Law Firm, we understand what you are facing and how to combat it, because these cases were the main part of our practice on active duty. We also understand that sometimes you need a military sex crime attorney from outside the system to fight the politics of sexual assault that can impact the decisions of senior officers within the system, including flag officers. This impact happens, and we have been on the front lines of it for the last decade-plus.

Why Choose The Hanzel Law Firm for Your Defense?

  • Having defended countless sexual assault and sexual harassment cases, we know how to work with experts, with your military counsel and with you to fashion a cohesive team focused on fighting for you, protecting your rights and achieving results.
  • Attorney Michael Hanzel has successfully cross-examined accusers claiming to be victims of military sexual offenses, federal law enforcement investigators and Government experts.
  • We are committed to ensuring you are treated fairly. Having prosecuted military sex offenses and having advised commands on them, we also know how to anticipate the other side’s moves.
  • If you or a loved one in the Armed Forces has been accused of a sexual offense, it is critical that you seek knowledgeable and aggressive counsel as soon as possible.

Understanding Military Sexual Offenses in South Carolina

Most military sexual offenses are listed in Article 120, UCMJ, but others are included in Article 92, 120b, 120c, 125 and 134 of the UCMJ. Much like state statutes in civilian sex crime cases, military sex offenses vary in severity, but all carry significant penalties. A conviction for one of these offenses at court-martial is a federal sex conviction that will stay on your record for the rest of your life and may require you to register as a sex offender. All of these offenses have the potential to end your career, possibly with a dishonorable discharge (mandatory for sexual penetration convictions) and they can put you in jail. Recently, Congress has taken away servicemembers’ rights, both pre-trial and post-trial. In today’s climate, you cannot afford to take a sexual allegation lightly.

 Contact us today online or call } to request a free case evaluation with our Charleston military sex crime defense lawyer.

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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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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